UC-NRLF 


$B    5M2    233 


fHEfHSpMEN'S 


&?; 


'*S 


Ifin 


THE 


Fishermen's  Own  Book, 


COMPRISING 


THE  LIST  OF  MEN  AND  VESSELS  LOST  FROM  THE  PORT  OF 
GLOUCESTER,  MASS,,  FROM  1874   TO  APRIL  lt  1882, 


A  Table  of  Losses  from  1830, 


TOGETHER  WITH 


VALUABLE  STATISTICS  OF  THE  FISHERIES, 


NOTABLE  FARES,  NARROW  ESCAPES,  STARTLING  ADVENTURES, 

FISHERMEN'S  OFF-HAND  SKETCHES,  BALLADS, 

DESCRIPTIONS  OF  FISHING  TRIPS 


OTHER    INTERESTING    FACTS    AND    INCIDENTS    CONNECTED    WITH 
THIS  BRANCH  OF  MARITIME  INDUSTRY, 


GLOUCESTER : 
PROCTER    BROTHERS,   Publishers. 

CAPE  ANN  ADVERTISER  OFFICE. 

■    .  CM 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1882,  by 

PROCTER  BROTHERS, 
In, the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 


Preface, 

Early  Fisheries  of  Cape  Ann  (illus.  with  models  of  fishing  vessels) 

A  Remarkable  Escape  on  Board  Sch.  Codseeker, 

Gloucester  Harbor  in  1806  (illustrated  with  map),     . 

A  Winter's  Trip  to  Georges  (illlustrated),  .... 

Table,  giving  Prices  of  Mackerel  for  the  Past  52  Years,    . 

Leaves  from  a  Log-Book — Remarkable  Adventures,  etc.  (illustrated) 

Notable  Fishing  Fares  (illustrated),  . 

The  Old-Time  Fishery  at  'Squam,     . 

Homeward  Bound, 

Products  of  the  Gloucester  Fisheries, 
Return  of  the  Dories  (illustrated),     . 
Quick  Passages  (illustrated),     .         .         ... 
Song  of  the  Winter  Fisherman, 

First  Trips, 

Large  Fish  (illustrated), 

Gloucester  Harbor  in  1830  (illustrated),    . 

U.  S.  Fish  Commission — Summer  Headquarters  in  Gloucester. 

Around  Cape  Ann, 

Sch.  Sultana  Towed  by  a  Whale  (illustrated),    . 

Loss  of  Sch.  Henrietta  Greenleaf,     .         . 

Gill-Net  Codfishing  in  Ipswich  Bay  (illustrated), 

A  Day  at  the  Beach  (illustrated), 

In  Memoriam.     List  of  Lost  Men  and  Vessels  of  the  Port  of  Glouc 

ester  from  1874  to  1881,  inclusive, 
Table,  giving  the  Losses  for  52  Years, 
Welcome  Home — A  Romance  in  a  Fisherman's  Life 
The  Fisher-Boy  in  the  Storm  (illustrated), 
Halibut  Fishing  among  the  Ice  Floes, 
List  of  Vessels  Belonging  to  the  Port  of  Gloucester 
The  Phantom  Boat,  ..... 

A  Trawling  Trip  (illustrated),    .... 
Massachusetts  Mackerel  Catch  for  74  Years,    . 
The  Fortune  Bay  Riot,      .         .         .         . 
Importance  of  Fish  Culture  (illustrated),  . 
The  Fisheries  of  the  Olden  Time,     . 
Salmon  Fishing  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Columbia  River. 
On  the  Beach  in  a  Storm  (illustrated), 
Narrow  Escape  of  Sch.  David  A.  Story  (illustrated), 
Hammerhead  Shark — The  Shark's  Mouth — Shark  Fishing  (illus.), 
No  More  Sea,  .... 


(illustrated), 


in  1850  (illus.), 


Oregon  (illus.) 


M1Q2729 


CONTENTS 


Fishermen's  Superstitions,  .         .         . 

The  Old  Fort  and  Gloucester  Harbor  in  1837  (illustrated), 

Foreign  Commerce  of  Gloucester  (illustrated), 

Fishermen  Coming  into  Port.     From  the  Home  of  the   Fish  to  the 

Table  of  the  Consumer  (illustrated), 

The  Regatta  (illustrated),       ' 

A  Night  in  Boston  Bay, 

Truthful  and  Startling  Accounts  of  Tough  Times,  etc.  (illustrated), 

The  Frenchman's  Stew  and  the  Disgusted  Irishmen, 

Dory  Voyages  across  the  Atlantic  (illustrated), 

On  Board  a  Mackerel  Catcher,  ..... 

The  Merry,  Merry  Mackerel  Catchers  (illustrated),   . 

Saving  the  Cable,      . 

A  Summer  Trip  to  Georges  (illustrated),   ..... 

Rob's  First  Cruise  (illustrated), 

Lost  in  the  Fog  (illustrated), 

Crippled  on  the  "Home  Stretch"  (illustrated), 

The  December  Gales  of  1876  (illustrated),         .         ... 

Fearful  Experience  on  Board  Sch.  Howard, 

Thacher's  Island, 

Foundering  of  Sch.  Almon  Bird, 

The  Harbor  Bar  (illustrated), 

Ninety-Three  Voyages  to  Surinam  (illustrated), 
Recollections  of  a  Veteran  Fisherman,      .... 
Making  a  Harbor  in  a  Snow  Storm,  .... 

An  Old  Boat  (illustrated),  .         .         .         .         . 

Hand-Line  Mackerel  Fishing, 

"Setting  Under  Sail," 

[n  a  Fog  on  the  Banks  (illustrated),  .... 

Lines  on  the  Loss  of  Sch.  Guy  Cunningham  and  in  Memory   of  her 

Master,  Capt.  Daniel  O'Brien, 

Around  the  Wharves  of  Old  Gloucester  Half  a  Century  Ago, 

The  Jolly  Yachtsman  (illustrated),     ..... 

The  Haddock  Fisheries — Then  and  Now,  ... 

A  Mackerel  Catcher  Dressing  Her  Fare  by  Moonlight  (illustrated), 

Frightened  by  the  Moon,  .         .         .         . 

Gloucester  Harbor  (illustrated),         .         . 

Adventures  of  Capt.  Richard  Murphy,       .... 

The  Open  Sea, 

Gloucester's  Exhibition  at  the  Centennial, 

'  The  Widow's  Appeal  to  the  Winds  and  Sea  (illustrated), 

Picking  the  Nets   and  Trawls  (illustrated), 

A  Fishing  Party  (illustrated), •    . 

"Not  a  Bene," 

'The  Mackerel  Pocket,  or  "Spiller,"  .... 

On  the  Loss  of  the  "Royal  George,"         .... 

A  Banker  Discharging  Her  Fare  (illustrated),   . 

Loss  of  Life  and  Vessel  Property  from  January  1  to  April  f,  1882, 

list  of  Vessels  Comprising  the  Gloucester  Fishing  Fleet,  and  their 

Owners  or  Fitters,      . ,  .         .         .         .         .         .         .       263 


cs.o*»otc 

FOR  THE 

FISHERMEN! 

Consisting  of  the  largest  variety  of 

Double-Breasted  Sack  Suits, 

Double-Breasted  Vests,  with 

Peg-Top  Pants  to  match, 

Large  Leg  Pants,  small  bottoms, 
Short  Reefing  Jackets, 

Rubber  Overcoats,  long, 

Rubber  Suits, 


Mittens  and  Leggings. 


ALSO 


Wiilitt  ©ooI§? 


NAMELY  : 


Jumpers,  Shirts,  outside  and  inside,  Socks, 
Drawers,  Mittens, 

SGABFS,  GAEBIGAN  JACKETS,  GAPS, 

In  fact,  everything  in  the  line  for  Business  or  Dress  up,  at  the  lowest  prices 
for  quality  of  goods.     All  are  cordially  invited. 

J.  S.  TAPPAN  £  SON, 

T-A^T-AJ^    BLOCK, 

1 12,  1 14,  1 16  Main  St.,  GLOUCESTER. 


Ye  Jolly  Fishermen  who  Sail  from 
Old  Cape  Ann, 


The  fisher's  life  is  the  life  you  love, 
And  you  love  the  sparkling  wave; 
And  hence  you  glide  o'er  the  stormy  tide 
In  far  pursuit  of  the  finny  tribe, 
With  hearts  so  light  and  brave. 


On  Georges  Bank,  at  Newfoundland, 

On  the  coast  of  Labrador, 
The  lines  you  fling,  and  you  laugh  and  sing, 
And  make  your  merry  voices  ring 

'Round  Nova  Scotia's  shore. 


Srjd  w^ei)  in  port  you  will  come  to 

NEWMAN'S  FISHERMEN'S  CLOTHING 


where  there  is  no  need  of  these  constant  "mark  downs"  advertised  by  other  Clothing  stores,  as  I 
mark  my  goods  low  enough  the  first  going  off,  as  "  the  Sons  of  the  Cape"  know  well. 

None  can  undersell  me,  as  I  buy  for  cash,  have  no  big  rents  or  big  interest  account,  and  but 
very  little  old  stock  to  carry.  Everything  on  board  my  craft  is  snug  and  trim.  Always  ready  to 
show  my  goods,  and  always  having  the  new  styles. 

I  don't  sell  less  than  cost—  neither  does  any  other  establishment;  and  when  thev  advertise  in 
this  manner,  it  is  all  moonshine,  and  "  the  Sons  of  the  Cape"  know  this  to  be  true."  These  mark- 
downs  of  about  fifty  cents  on  a  dollar  don't  pan  out  well  either,  as  people  are  not  fond  of  this  style 
of  doing  business,  and  if  they  are,  they  couldn't  stand  it  a  great  while;  hence  it  is  inferred  that  they 
don't  do  it,  and  the  people  won't  swallow  such  taffy. 

Every  customer  gets  the  full  value  of  his  money  in  good  honest 

IMST-M^I    CLOTHING, 

Hats,  Caps  and  Gents'  Furnishing  Goods. 

«Sg=- 1  don't  sell  at  cost  or  less  than  cost,  but  a  fair  living  profit,  which  enables  me  to  "live  and 
let  live,"  and  I  cordially  invite  those  who  believe  in  Square  Dealing  to  visit  my  establishment, 

ISO    2v£aJJS.     St.,     169 


OTIS  S.FEAR 

Standard  Black  &  Yellow  Cape  Aon  Oil  Clothing 

Lincoln  and  Cape  Ann  Sou9  Westers,  Fancy  and  Cape  Ann  Long 
Coats,  Fishermen's  Outfits,  <&c. 

OFFICE    and.    iF^arroiE^, 
P.  O.  Box  448.         68  Rogers  St.,  GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


MANUFACTURER  OF 

LINCOLN    SOU'  WESTERS, 

Black  and  Yellow  Cape  Ann  Standard 

QLX.  cx,oxxxxxr&. 

Dealer  in  Rubber  Goods,  Jackets,  Pants,  Boots,  Mittens,  &c.,  and  Fish- 
ermen's Outfits. 

285    MAIN    ST.,   GLOUCESTER. 

HOWARD  F.  INGERSOLL, 

Vegetables,  Butter,  Cheese,  Lard,  Ham,  Canned  Goods,  &c. 

WASHINGTON  ST.,  COR.  WASHINGTON  SQ„ 
Gloucester,       -        -  Has®. 

*  C.  &  H* 

Receivers  and  Wholesale  Dealers  in 

■ 


Itvw  A  Pfeklad.  W 


TW 


FISH  OILS  AND  VESSELS'  OUTFITS, 
GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 


The  Direct  United  States  Cable  Co., 


(XjI^/GXTEID-) 


Notice  to  Owners  and  Masters  of  Fishing  Vessels. 

TBiaCRAPH  O  ABU 


In  order  to  avoid  the  danger  of  losing  their  tackle,  and  also  of  damaging 
the  Cables  of  this  Compaq,  captains  are  requested  to  give  them  a  wide  berth. 

Should  any  vessel,  however,  lose  her  anchor  or  tackle  by  reason  of  com- 
ing in  contact  with  the  Telegraph  Cable,  and  will  use  every  endeavor  to 
save  the  same  from  damage,  the  Company  will — subject  to  immediate  notice 
being  given  at  either  of  the  Company's  stations  named  below,  and  full  par- 
ticulars furnished  of  the  circumstances, — reimburse  the  loss,  subject  to  ad- 
justment, upon  being  satisfied  of  the  bona-fides  of  the  claim. 

The  directors  in  adopting  this  course  confidently  believe  that  masters  of 
vessels  will  do  everything  in  their  power  to  protect  the  Cables  from  injury. 

As  a  means  of  verification,  and  to  enable  the  tackle  to  be  cleared  from 
the  Cable  by  the  Company's  repairing  ship  if  considered  necessary,  it  is 
important  (weather  permitting)  that  the  slipped  anchor  should  be  buoyed 
by  means  of  a  light  hawser  and  wooden  spar. 

For  the  guidance  and  information  of  Fishermen,  CHARTS  showing  the 
location  of  the  Direct  United  States  Cable  Company's  Ca- 
bles, with  the  depths  of  water,  have  been  placed  as  follows  : 

BEVERLY,  MASS.,  John  Picket's  Store. 

GLOUCESTER,  MASS.,  Reading  Room  on  Main  St.,  Custom  House,  and  at  the  Stores 
of  John  Pew  &  Son,  and  Clark  &  Somes. 

HALIFAX,  N.  S.,  Shipping  Officer's  Office,  Anglo-French  Steamship  Company's  Of- 
fice, and  J.  S.  Maclean  &  Co.'s  Office. 

NEWBURYPORT,  MASS.,  Custom  House. 

PLYMOUTH,  MASS.,  Custom  House. 

PORTSMOUTH,  N.  H.,  Custom  House. 

PROVINCETOWN,  CAPE  COD,  Custom  House,  Post  Office,  and  at  the  Office  of  the 
"Advocate." 

SHELBOURNE,  H".  S.,  Mr.  G.  Robertson's. 

SYDNEY,  C.  B.,  Messrs.  Archibald  &  Co.'s. 

ST.  PIERRE,  MIQUELON,  The  American  House  (U.  S.  Consulate.) 

NEW  YORK  (16  Broad  St.)  1 

BOSTON  (122  State  St.)  (The   Stations  of  the  Direct  United  States   Cable 

RYE  BEACH,  N.  H.  Company. 

TORBAY,  N.  S.  J 

By  Order  of  the  Board  of  Directors. 

Head  Office  of  the  Company,  52  OLD  BROAD  ST.,  London,  England. 

February,  1882. 


JOHN   LLOYD'S 
Undertakers  Wareroom, 

NO.  2  WESTERN  AVENUE, 
Gloucester,  Mass. 


Coffins,  Caskets,  Robes,  Habits,  Caps,  &c,  constantly  on  hand.  Children's  Robes  and  Dresses 
made  to  order.  Personal  attention  given  to  attending  Funerals,  and  also  to  laying-out  and  pre- 
paring the  dead  for  burial. 

SWBTT  &  CO., 


,  BARRELS,  HOOPS,  HAY,  STRAW,  BRICKS,  LIME 

POTATOES,  BEANS,  &C. 

Wharf  on  Commercial  St.;  Gloucester,  Mass 


A.W.DODD&CO., 

IMPORTERS  AND  DEALERS  IN 

Fish  Oils, 

Pure  Cod  Liver  Oil, 

For  Medicinal  Purposes. 


L.  D.  LOTHROP, 

Manufacturer  and  Dealer  in 

FISHING  TACKLE 

or  all  szxasrcss, 
HOOKS,   LINES,    SINKERS,   BRASS 
AND  HORN  SWIVELS,  HAW- 
SES, SPREADERS,  &c. 

33  DUNCAN  ST.,  GLOUCESTER. 


P.  BENJAMIN, 
B.  W.  WEST. 


ZEST^.IBXjISIXEID     lB4t3. 


J.T.  DONNELL&CO., 

Manufacture!  i  of  CQEBMI 

Oi^  EVERY  DESCRIPTION, 

The  undersigned,  our  Agents  at  GLOUCESTER,  Mass.,  keep 
constantly  in  store  a  large  assortment  of  Cables  and  Manila  Cor- 
dage, and  will  take  orders  for  Gangs  of  Russia  or  American 

Hemp  Rope,  which  will  be  of  best  quality,  and  sold  at  lowest  market 
rates. 

Orders  solicited,  and  filled  with  promptness. 

PETTINGELL  &  CUNNINGHAM. 


©WIS  D.  1A1A 


»* 


Wholesale  ©ealef  ii) 


Hardware,  Manila  and  Hemp  Cordage, 

Gangs  of  Rigging  and  a  Full  Line  of  Fishing  Supplies. 

mm  to  3m  Wmmwl  8f .,       *       •       •       B@< 


SAVE  YOUR  MONEY 

BY  HAVING  YOUR 

Olotlxing*  ID^ed., 

Cleansed, 
2=3epa,Irec3.- 

and  put  in  the  best  of  order  at  a  trifling  ex- 
pense.   Second-hand  Clothing  made 
to  look  as  good  as  new,  by 

M*  A*  KOBIH8OJK9 

Basement  Belmont  House,  Main  St.,  Gloucester. 


DAVID  G.ALLEN, 

DEALER  IN  ALE  KINDS  OF 

Xj-cizEiber, 

Hard-ware, 

IBrlcl^s,  Xjim.e7 

Cement,  Hair,    Doors,    Blinds, 

Windows,  Window  Frames, 

Nails,  Lead,  Zinc, 

Sinks,  &c. 

35  Rogers  St.,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


SLADE  GORTON  &  CO., 


GLOUCESTER,  MASS., 


Wholesale  Fish  Dealers, 


DEALERS  IN 


ALL  KINDS  OF  SALT  WATER  FISH, 


FORT    WH^RF 


Slade  Gorton. 


Charles  C.  Cressy. 


TAB!  &  WOHSOFS 


ATEUT 


COPPER  PAINT, 

For  Vessels'  Bottoms. 

A  test  of  18  years  proves  this  Paint  to  be  the  best 
in  the  market. 

MANUFACTURED  at  GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 


ii 


L 


*^j 


■149  Main  Street,   GLOUCESTER,   Mass. 


This  House  has  been  newly  fitted,  and  has  all  the  modern  improvements  for  the  accommodation 
of  permanent  and  transient  Boarders.  It  is  heated  by  steam  in  Winter,  and  well  ventilated  for 
Summer.    Rates  per  day  to  suit  every  customer. 

This  House  is  within  two  minutes'  walk  of  the  Post  Office,  with  a  full  view  of  the  Harbor. 

If  you  want  a  Summer  or  Winter  home,  go  to  the  BELMONT  HOUSE,  149  Main  Street,  Glouc- 


A  First- Class  Restaurant  connected  ) 
with  the  House.  J 


S.  A.  LATTER,  Prop'r. 


ALEX.  McCURDY, 


Carriage  Manufacturer 
and  Shipsmith, 

SHOP  NEAR  CLAY  COVE,  EAST  GLOUCESTER. 

Vessel  work,  Carriage  Repairing,  and  Horse 
Shoeing.  Edge  Tools  and  Fishermen's  Knives 
a  specialty. 


East  Gloucester  Steam  Ferry 

Leaves  E.  Gloucester  at  6.30  A .  M.  and  thrice 
hourly  at  ten  minutes  past,  half-past  and  ten 
minutes  of  the  hour  until  9.10  P.  M.  Saturdays 
until  9.50. 

Leave  Duncan  Street,  on  the  hour  and  twen- 
ty minutes  past  and  twenty  minutes  of. 

The  Sail  Ferry  Boat  will  run  Sundays  from 
9  A.  M.  till  7  P.  M. 

Sail  and  Row  Boats 

to  let  by  the  day,  week  or  hour,  during  the 
boating  season. 

DOUGLASS  BKOTHEKS. 


JAMES  CLARK, 


Dealer  in  all  kinds  of 


HARD   AND   SOFT 


WOOD 


Rear  7  and  9  Middle  St., 
GLOUCESTEK,  Mass. 


Wood  delivered  inteny  part  of  the  city  free  of 
expense. 


I,  D.  GARDNER  k 

Carriage  Repair  Shop, 

PARSONS   STREET, 

GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

4®=*  Horse  Shoeing  promptly  attended  to. 


HACK,  BOARDING,  LIVERY  AND  SALE  STABLE, 

MIDDLE  ST.,  junction  WESTERN  AYE. 


£.LSO 

Boarding  and  Livery  Stable 

AW  MAQNQMA* 

Hacks  furnished  for  Weddings,  Parties,  Balls,  Funerals, 
<fec.  Wagons  furnished  for  Picnic  and  Pleasure  Parties. 
Coaches  Connect  with  Railroad  and  Steamboat. 

Order  Boxes  at  Burnham's  Block,  179  Main  Street,  and 
J.  C.  Overbeck's,  58  Main  Street,  Gloucester. 


H.  C.  L.  HASKELL, 

Insurance  Agency, 

97  Main  Street, 


Only  First-class  Stock  and  Insurance  Compa- 
nies represented. 

LOSSES  PROMPTLY  ADJUSTED. 


JOSEPH  PARSONS, 

JDKAJLEJR  IN 

OIL  CLOTHING, 

Gent's  Furnishing  Goods,  &c. 

Post  Office  Building, 
EAST  GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


On  C3-eorgres  Ira.  a,  Storm. 

THIS  BEAUTIFUL  PAINTING  has  been  photographed,  and  copies 
may  now  be  obtained  at  the  store  of  PROCTER  BROS.  It  is  a 
tine  picture,  showing  two  schooners  riding  at  anchor,  and  another  jog- 
ging under  a  double-reefed  foresail.  Just  such  a  picture  as  every  fishing 
owner  and  fisherman  wants. 

Selling  for  $2.00  and  upwards,  according  to  style  of  frame.  Without 
frame,  75  cents.  Call  and  see  this  picture.  Sent  by  mail  on  reception  of 
75  cents. 

Send  75  cents  to  Procter  Bros.,  Gloucester,  Mass.,  and  receive  by 
return  mail  one  of  the  above  pictures. 


WILLIAM  P.  DOLLIVER, 

Aw@§i@m®@f  mmM  Appraiser, 

IJVJSUI^NCE  JIGEW  AND  RE^Ii  EJSW^TE  BICKER, 

At  DOLLIVER  BROS.  GROCERY  STORE, 

NO.  32  MAIN  STREET,  GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

GAIYIN  S.  GROWEU  &  GO., 

COMMISSION  MERCHANTS 

IN 

CODFISH,    MACKEREL 
Salmon,    Shad,   &c. 

124  North  Delaware  Ave.,  PHILADELPHIA,  Pa. 

References  :— Messrs.  B.  S.  Snow  &  Co.,  Boston,  Geo.  Perkins  &  Son,  Gloucester,  Geo.  Tre- 
fethern  &  Co.,  Portland,  Me. 


M.  P.  ALDERMAN, 


—  DEALER  IN  — 


$EWING+M7K3jnP$ 


AGENT  FOR  THE 


NewDavis.White,  and  Domestic. 

j8®-  Machines  of  all  kinds  Repaired. 

114  MAIN  ST.,  TAPPAN  BLOCK. 


1 


#*■#■# 


GROCER, 
Cor.  School  &  Prospect  Streets, 

GLOUCESTER. 

jm-  First-class  GROCERIES,  BREAD,  MILK, 
CROCKERY,  CHINA  and  WOODEN  WARE, 

and  articles  usually  found  in  a  Family  Furnish- 
ing Store,  cheap  for  cash. 


ll 


n» 


3L,^_2T:E    dc   HEATH, 

MANUFACTURERS    OF 

mm  m  nniA&  i&fin 

Bottlers  of  Ale,  Lager  Beer,  Porter  and  Cider.         Also,  Agents  for  Milwaukee  Lager. 

65  Duncan  Street,  Gloucester,  Mass, 


]f 


WARRANTED  THE  BEST! 

CAPE  ANN  COPPER  PAINT 

For  Vessels'  Bottoms. 

T-^IMIES     ZE3C-    T^JttEZ,    OrloTU-cester,   IMZass. 

E3P  For  sale  in  all  of  the  principal  ports  on  the  Atlan- 
tic and  Pacific  coast. 


RUBBERS. 

A  Full  Line  of  Seasonable  Goods 
A/ways  in  Stock. 

mhhs*  ittii 

Made  to  Measure,  and 

Warranted  to  Fit. 

C.  0.  HOWARD, 

64  Main  Street, 
GLOUCESTER,    -    Mass. 


WHITE'S 


GROCERY, 


•TIBBETS'  NEW  BLOCK, 
No.  98  Main  St., 

Is  the  Largest,  Most  Spacious  and  Finest 

Arranged  in  the  City.  First- Class  Goods,  ac- 
commodating Clerks,  and  goods  delivered  to  any 
part  of  the  Cape.  All  are  cordially  invited  to 
visit  this  establishment. 

D.  Augustus  White, 

PROPRIETOR. 


F-  S.  TSOMPBC 

(Successor  to  J.  J.  BURNS,) 

Has  the  Largest  and  Best  Selected  Stock  of 

Silver  and  Silver  Plated  Ware,  Fancy  Goods,  Etc, 

TO  IBIE   ZFOTXHSTID  I2ST  ESSES!   COTX2nTT^'" 

Particular  Attention  Given  to  Mepairing.    Also,  Plain  and    Ornamental  Engraving. 
All  goods  bought  of  me  will  be  Engraved  Free  of  Charge. 

164  Main  street,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


Established   1849. 


John  Pew  &  Son, 

Producers  of  and  Wholesale  Dealers  in 


And  Importers  of 


331  Main  Street,  :  :  :  Gloucester,  Mass, 

JOHN  PEW.        CHARLES  H.  PEW.        JOHN  J.  PEW.       JOHN  K.  DUSTIN,  JR. 


SIWALL  I  DAY 

triage  ©ompaiif 

MANUFACTURERS    OF 

CORDAGE  and  OAKUM, 


SPECIAL  ATTENTION  GIVEN  TO 


FIMMMMWEWM  @WTF'IT% 

NET  ROPES,  TRAWL  LINES,  &c,  &c. 
Gangs  of  Rigging  made  to  order  at  short  notice. 

83  &  85  COMMERCIAL  ST.,  BOSTON, 


Importer,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer  in 

SHIP  STORES,  CHANDLERY  AND  PRODUCE. 
Opposite  the  Custom,  House,  Gloucester,  Mass. 

GEORGES  a. 

AND  MINERAL  WATER. 
Alse  Sotties?  ©1  aPQRVXR,  A&B  &  OSB8SI. 

PARTIES  FURNISHED  AT  SHORT  NOTICE. 

SAWYER  BLOCK,  (Basement,)  95  MAIN  ST., 

Grl©-u.cester,   Mass. 

b^.s:ee   op 

Vienna  Bread,  Cake  and  Pastry. 

WEDDING  CAKE  A  SPECIALTY. 

I  am  prepared  to  furnish  any  description  of  Cake  and  Pastry,  and  of  a 
quality  that  has  no  equal  in  the  city.  When  in  want  of  goods  in  this  line 
please  give  me  a  call. 

BAMEMY  ANjB  BWQRB  %&  DUNOAN  BW, 


W.F.HILTON, 


Foot  of  Mansfield  St., 

Horses  Shod  in  a  Superior  Manner. 


CROWELL  &  PATTANGALL, 

COMMISSION  MERCHANTS 


,  lUiitiiimuu) 

OILS,    Szo. 
No.  46  Water  St,,  New  York. 

A.  L.  CROWELL.  L.  O.  PATTANGALL 

Particular  attention  paid  to  Eastern  Produce. 


Fire,  Life,  Accident, 

—  AND  — 

PWPvWHOTCE 

In  Sound  Companies, 

—  BY  — 

H.  L.  FOLLANSBEE, 

Ins.  Agent  and  Broker. 

T.  H.  FULLER  &  CO., 


DEALERS  IN- 


Dry  and  Pickled  Fish 

PREPARED  £ND  BONELESS  COD, 
SMOKED  HALIBUT,  &C. 


GLOUCESTER, 


MA88. 


Boneleas  Fish  a  specialty.  The  Trade  sup- 
plied at  the  lowest  market  rates. 

Proprietors  of  the  "Boss"  and  "Neptune" 
Brands  of  Boneless  Fish. 


FitzJ.  Babsonjr. 

LUMBER 

Of  Every  Description, 
OlSbpTooaxcLs, 
Sliingries, 

Cedar  ^osts, 
Lattice, 

D60^S,  WINDOW  E^PE3, 

Black  Walnut,  Whitewood, 

Pickets,  Lime,  Cement, 

Brick,  Hair,  Hard- 

ivare,  &c. 

Wfl^K  W$  STORE, 

275    IMIsiIn   Street, 

(SslotteMteff,  Mas®» 


'§< 


G^  PATENT  ^D 


MANUFACTURED  BY 

NATHAN  RICHARDSON 

104   Washington  St., 

GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


PRICES:— 4,  4  1-2  and  5  in.,  30  in.  Hand 
Wheel,  $30.00;  6,  6  1-2,  7  and  7  1-2  in.  36  in. 
Hand  Wheel,  $40.00;  8,  8  1-2  an-l  9  in.,  42  in. 
Hand  Wheel,  $50.00;  10  in.  Hand  Wheel,  $60. 

Address  all  orders  to  NATHAN  RICHARD- 
SON, Gloucester,  Mass. 

P.  O.  Box  338. 


H 


SBURY  8c  CHfiS 


•MiTHE** 


fail  SSliiill  <&  «ittll®«s 


5 


OF  GLOUCESTER. 


(c^EPY-M^DE  CMWJKP^ 


AND 


FURNISHING    GOODS 


lie   yjjLtni  JSM?  m.wston^  fflorli 


IN  US  SEX   COUNTY. 


No.  136  Main  Street,     Corner  of  Hancock. 


PREFACE 


Nine  years  ago  we  published  "The  Fisher- 
men's Memorial  and  Record  Book."  It 
at  once  met  with  popular  favor,  and  the  two 
editions  of  3500  copies  have  nearly  all  been 
sold.  Orders  have  been  received  from  Nova 
Scotia  to  California  from  those  who  once 
pulled  a  line  on  board  a  Cape  Ann  fisherman, 
— and  from  this  class,  especially,  the  work  has 
received  a  most  flattering  reception. 
For  the  past  two  years  we  have  been  importuned  by  the  fishermen  to  pub- 
lish another  similar  work,  which  would  prove  a  companion  volume,  carrying 
the  record  of  lost  vessels  and  men  to  the  date  of  publication,  thus  finishing 
the  list  to  date,  and  adding  such  matter  in  relation  to  the  fisheries  as  we  had 
gathered  in  the  interim. 

This  volume  is  in  answer  to  oft-repeated  requests.  We  have  endeavored 
to  make  it  reliable  and  of  special  interest  to  that  class  of  men  whom  we  have 
known  from  childhood — the  hardy  fishermen,  who  man  the  fleet  and  earn 
their  livelihood  amidst  constant  peril ;  the  men  who  have  done  so  much 
toward  building  up  Gloucester ;  the  producers  from  old  ocean's  harvest  fields, 
who  draw  deposits  from  Banks  which  have  never  yet  refused  to  honor  their 
drafts,  who  go  forth  at  all  seasons  and  brave  the  dangers  of  the  sea  in  order 
to  obtain  an  honest  livelihood  for  themselves  and  those  dependent  upon 
them. 

Through  the  labors  of  the  fishermen  mainly,  Gloucester  has  grown  from 
a  population  of  6350  and  a  valuation  of  one  million  dollars  in  1840,  to  a 
present  population  of  19,288  and  a  valuation  exceeding  nine  millions,  show- 
ing an  increase  in  the  brief  period  of  41  years  of  upwards  of  200  per  cent, 
in  population  and  over  800  per  cent,  in  valuation.  Through  his  skilled 
operations  and  the  advantages  taken  of  his  labors,  the  fishing  business  of 
Gloucester  has  grown  from  an  enterprise  of  secondary  importance  to  rank 
among  the  valuable  producing  interests  of  the  country.  In  1847,  thirty -five 
years  ago,  the  total  valuation  of  the  fishing  product  from  this  port  was 
$589,354,  and  now,  in  round  numbers,  it  exceeds  $4,000,000  yearly. 

To  this  class  Gloucester  owes  much,  and  they  are  entitled  to  the  kindly 
consideration  of  every  good  citizen.     Around  them  should  be  thrown  every 


IV 


PREFACE. 


safeguard,  morally  and  physically,  and  they  should  receive  every  encourage- 
ment possible. 

u  Long  may  their  white  sails  dot  the  sea, 
In  sunshine  or  in  rain ; 
And  welcome  home  their  comings  be 

From  off  the  changing  main. 
Long  may  the  clippers  make  their  way 

With  gallant  hearts  to  man 
As  those  who  tread  the  decks  to-day— 

The  fishers  of  Cape  Ann. 

• 

u  Their  sharp  prows  cut  the  billows  blue, 

On  Georges  Bank  away — 
Their  white  sails  fav'ring  breezes  woo 

In  fair  St.  Lawrence  Bay, 
Or  glide  along  New  England's  shore, 

Or  where  cool  breezes  fan 
The  icy  line  of  Labrador — 

The  fishers  of  Cape  Ann." 

We  therefore  send  forth  this  our  second  volume  with  the  hope  that  its 
contents  may  be  instructive  and  pleasing  to  the  class  for  whom  it  is  intended, 
and  bespeak  from  the  fishermen  everywhere  a  widely  extended  patronage. 


PROCTER   BROTHERS. 


[MODEL  OF  A  GKAND  BANKER,  1741.] 

The  Early  Fisheries  of  Gape  Ann 

Antedate  the  permanent  settlement  of  her  territory.  In  1623  a  fishing 
vessel  from  England,  having  completed  her  cargo  in  "  Mattahusetts  Bay," 
sailed  for  Spain,  leaving  fourteen  men  "  in  the  country  at  Cape  Anne,"  to 
await  her  return.  Early  in  the  next  year  the  same  ship,  with  a  consort, 
came  to  Cape  Ann,  and  after  an  unsuccessful  fishing  season  set  sail  for 
England,  leaving  thirty-two  men  here.  The  following  year  three  vessels 
came  from  England,  and  an  effort  was  made  to  establish  a  colony  here  under 
the  governorship  of  Roger  Conant,  but  the  attempt  was  abandoned  in  the 
course  of  the  year,  Mr.  Conant  and  some  of  his  companions  removing  to 
Salem,  and  founding  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  Fishing  was  also 
carried  on  at  Cape  Ann  in  1624  and  1625  by  the  Plymouth  people,  who  had 
two  vessels  fishing  on  our  coast  in  the  latter  year.  The  permanent  settle- 
ment of  the  territory  was  commenced  prior  to  1633,  and  something  was 
again  done  in  the  way  of  fishing  as  early  as  1639,  although  it  does  not 
appear  that  the  early  settlers  of  the  Cape  were  fishermen. 

The  fisheries  of  Cape  Ann,  as  a  considerable  and  permanent  industry, 
seem  to  have  become  firmly  established  about  1722,  when  the  business  was 
conducted  on  a  somewhat  extensive  scale  at  Annisquam,  and  also,  in  a  lesser 
degree,  in  the  harbor  parish.  Heretofore  the  business  had  been  carried  on 
in  small  sloops,  built  in  the  town,  but  in  1720  a  few  schooners  were  added, 
and  this  class  of  vessels  soon  became  popular.  Many  of  these  schooners 
were  of  a  burthen  of  fifty  tons  or  more,  and  were  therefore  suitable  for  the 
prosecution  of  the  fisheries  on  the  Grand  Bank  and  other  distant  fishing 
grounds.     They  were  of  a  nearly  uniform  model,  with  square  bows  and  high 


6  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

stern,  and  presented  the  strongest  possible  contrast  to  the  swift  clipper  fleet 
of  our  own  day.  The  model  on  the  preceding  page  of  a  Grand  Banker  of 
1 741  will  give  a  good  idea  of  the  appearance  of  these  old-time  craft. 

There  was  one  of  these  craft  in  existence  in  1878,  the  Manchester, 
which  was  then  owned  in  York,  Me.,  and  was  nearly  one  hundred  years  old. 
She  was  formerly  of  this  port,  being  owned  by  Mr.  Daniel  Gaffney  and 
others.  She  was  63.95  tons>  built  in  Duxbury,  Mass.,  in  1784.  We  do  not 
know  whether  she  is  in  existence  now  or  not. 

About  seventy  of  these  vessels  were  owned  in  Gloucester  in  1741,  nearly 
all  of  which  were  probably  employed  in  the  Grand  Bank  fishery  for  codfish. 
Each  of  the  crew  kept  an  account  of  the  number  of  fish  he  caught,  and  the 
proceeds  of  the  voyage  were  distributed  accordingly.  That  their  earnings 
were  far  from  uniform  is  shown  by  an  account  of  three  trips  of  sch.  Abigail, 
Capt.  Paul  Hughes,  to  Grand  Bank  in  1757  ;  the  three  trips  occupied  about 
six  months,  in  which  were  included  sixty-seven  days  fishing,  the  skipper 
being  "high  line  "  with  a  catch  of  6643  fish,  the  "low  line"  taking  3435,  the 
average  catch  of  the  crew  of  six  men  being  4506.  From  1770  to  1775 
between  seventy  and  eighty  Gloucester  vessels  resorted  yearly  to  the  Grand 
Bank,  and  about  seventy  boats  fished  for  cod,  hake  and  pollock  on  the 
ledges  near  our  own  coast.  These  latter  boats  were  mostly  built  at  Essex, 
then  the  Chebacco  parish  of  Ipswich,  and  from  that  fact  received  the  name 
of  "Chebacco  boats,"  their  model  being  shown  in  the  following  engraving. 
There  was  a  large  fleet  of  them  owned  here  and  in  Rockport  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  present  century,  but  they  have  all  disappeared. 


The  tonnage  employed  in  the  Cape  Ann  Fisheries  at  the  outbreak  of  the 
Revolution  could  not  have  been  far  from  forty-eight  hundred  tons,  repre- 
sented by  one  hundred  and  fifty  schooners  and  boats,  and  employing  about 
six  hundred  men.  The  yearly  product  may  be  estimated  at  forty-eight 
thousand  quintals,  of  a  value  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

The  Revolution,  of  course,  put  an  embargo  on  Bank  fishing,  as  well  as 
an  end  to  the  exportation  of  fish,  and  the  business  soon  dwindled  to  insig- 
nificant figures.     After  peace  had  been  declared  the  business  was  resumed, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  7 

and  some  sixty  vessels  were  sent  to  the  Grand  Bank,  but  in  consequence 
of  unsatisfactory  returns  the  business  soon  languished.  In  1804  the  whole 
number  of  vessels  over  thirty  tons  burthen  engaged  in  the  Cape  Ann  fisheries 
was  only  eight,  and  for  nearly  half  a  century  fishing  was  almost  totally 
abandoned. 

With  the  decline  of  the  Bank  fishery,  the  Shore  fishery  commenced  to 
attract  increased  attention.  At  the  commencement  of  the  present  century 
some  two  hundred  Chebacco  boats,  averaging  about  fifteen  tons  each,  and 
manned  by  some  six  hundred  men,  were  engaged  in  this  fishery.  The 
increasing  importance  of  this  industry  created  a  demand  for  an  increase  in 
the  capacity  o£  the  craft  engaged  in  it,"  and  about  18 10  the  Chebacco  boats 
began  to  give  place  to  the  "jigger"  or  "pinkey,"  of  which  class  but  a  single 
specimen  is  now  included  in  the  Gloucester  enrolment, — the  sch..  Senator, 
built  in  Essex  in  1831,  and  now  owned  by  Capt.  John  Parker.  The  follow- 
ing is  a  specimen  of  a  pinkey  of  the  model  of  18 10. 


The  Shore  fishery  reached  its  maximum  in  1832,  when  it  employed  a  ton- 
nage of  6463  tons,  furnishing  employment  to  799  men,  and  resulting  in 
a  catch  of  63,112  qtls.  fish,  of  a  value  of  $157,780,  receiving  also  a  bounty 
of  $25,172  from  the  government.  From  this  time,  the  business,  except  as 
a  winter  industry,  began  to  decline,  giving  place  to  the  mackerel  fishery  and 
other  modern  branches  of  the  industry. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


A  Eemarkable  Escape. 

Two  Fishermen  Imprisoned  in  a  Forecastle  Eighty-Nine  Hours  without  Light 
or  Water  and  on  Short  Allowance  of  Food — 2'imely  Rescue. 

The  Nova  Scotian  schooner  Codseeker  was  capsized  of!  Cape  Sable,  May 
9th,  1877,  with  the  supposed  loss  of  all  the  crew  except  the  captain  and  two 
others,  who  saved  themselves  in  a  dory.  The  schooner  was  struck  under 
the  weather-quarter  by  a  sea  at  about  11  o'clock,  P.  M.,  and  gradually 
careened  over  on  her  beam  ends,  in  which  position  she  remained.  It  was 
found  impossible  to  clear  the  boat,  and  the  three  men  in  the  dory,  while 
engaged  in  bailing  to  keep  her  afloat,  drifted  rapidly  to  leeward,  leaving 
a  part  of  the  crew  clinging  to  the  weather-side  of  the  vessel,  which  they 
were  unable  to  find  again  when  their  frail  craft  became  manageable.  After 
great  difficulty  and  danger  they  effected  a  landing  in  the  surf  on  the  south 
side  of  Cape  Sable  Island  soon  after  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  10th. 
A  schooner  was  at  once  fitted  away,  in  the  face  of  a  heavy  gale,  and  at  1 1 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  twelve  hours  after  the  accident,  the  Codseeker  was  sighted  on 
her  beam  ends,  with  five  of  the  crew  lashed  to  her  side ;  one  of  these  was 
washed  off  and  drowned  before  he  could  be  reached,  and  the  other  four 
were  rescued  with  great  difficulty.  The  rest  of  the  crew  were  supposed  to 
have  been  drowned  in  the  cabin  or  washed  overboard,  and  the  wreck  was 
abandoned  to  her  fate.  On  Sunday  afternoon  the  wrecked  schooner  was 
fallen  in  with  off  Seal  Island  by  the  schooner  Ohio,  of  Bucksport,  Me.,  and 
was  boarded  by  the  captain  and  two  of  the  crew,  who  fancied  that  they  heard 
sounds  proceeding  from  the  forecastle,  the  gangway  leading  to  which  was 
entirely  under  water.  On  pounding  on  the  side  of  the  vessel  they  were 
answered  by  faint  tappings  from  within,  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  some 
of  the  crew  had  been  caught  in  the  forecastle  and  imprisoned  when  the  ves- 
sel capsized.  They  at  once  proceeded  to  cut  a  hole  in  the  side  of  the 
schooner,  by  the  fore-chains,  and  effected  the  rescue  of  two  men  who  had 
been  confined  there  without  light,  water  or  food,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
small  cakes,  from  11  o'clock  on  Wednesday  night  until  4  o'clock  on  Sun- 
day afternoon.  They  were  landed  at  their  homes  on  Monday  morning,  to 
the  great  joy  of  their  friends,  who  had  given  them  up  as  lost.  The  feelings 
of  these  men  in  their  long  and  apparently  hopeless  confinement,  their  sensa" 
tions  when  their  comrades  were  taken  from  the  wreck  on  Thursday,  leaving 
them  without  means  of  making  their  presence  known,  the  long,  weary  hours 
that  followed,  and  the  intense  anxiety  with  which  they  became  aware  that 
the  vessel  was  boarded  again  on  Sunday  afternoon,  and  their  great  joy  when 
they  knew  their  signals  were  heard  and  deliverance  was  at  hand,  can  neither 
be  imagined  nor  described. 


-.  fit  ^odC. 


<!»"•■ 


ill  I  '  ii 

frt 'ill  Hi  /  \ 


pa  i  v  w  Ailir  * 


c<j>k 


^ 


H  18 

d    mm 


<& 


,fl* 


2*=- 


'  i  i 


<a$ 


Ml/l     ^ 


V  / 


^ 


m  < 


4  *W^®  \$Y 

V^      V4     A 


# 


<gf   Jg 


w 


cW 


^M 


#(k  WwOTW  ill 

if!  rWl jiff 


e 


ft 

A 


I     I      <* 


Vo 


is. 


IS 


<sj  :# 


I.'  'IP1 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK, 


Gloucester  Harbor  in  1606. 

On  the  opposite  page  is  presented  a  map  of  Gloucester  Harbor,  as  it 
appeared  to  some  French  navigators  who  sought  its  shelter  in  1606,  repro- 
duced from  a  map  first  published  in  France  in  1613.  The  accompanying 
account  of  this  first  visit  to  our  harbor  was  translated  from  the  "  Voyages 
of  Champlain,"  for  the  columns  of  the  Cape  Ann  Advertiser,  and  so  far  as 
our  knowledge  extends  has  not  elsewhere  appeared  in  print  in  the  English 
language. 

The  alphabetical  references  on  the  map  are  as  follows  (the  figures  denot- 
ing the  depth  of  water,  probably  in  French  metres,  a  metre  being  about 
three  and  one-fourth  feet)  : 

A,  The  place  where  our  bark  was  anchored.  B,  Meadows.  C,  Little  Isl- 
and. (Ten  Pound  Island.)  D,  Rocky  Point.  (Eastern  Point.)  E,  The 
place  where  we  caulked  our  boat.  (Rocky  Neck.)  /,  Little  Rocky  Island. 
(Salt  Island.)  G,  Wigwams  of  the  savages,  where  they  cultivate  the  earth. 
H,  Little  river,  where  there  are  meadows.  (Brook  and  marsh  at  Fresh 
Water  Cove.)  I,  Brook.  (Brook  which  enters  the  sea  at  Pavilion  Beach.) 
L,  Tongue  of  plain  ground,  where  there  are  saffrons,  nut-trees  and  vines. 
(On  Eastern  Point.)  M,  The  salt  water  from  a  place  where  the  Cape  of 
Islands  turns.  (The  creek  in  the  marsh  at  little  good  harbor.)  N,  Little 
river.  (Brook  near  Clay  Cove.)  O,  Little  Brook  coming  from  meadows. 
(This  brook  cannot  now  be  exactly  located.)  P,  A  little  brook  where  they 
washed  their  linen.  (At  Oakes'  Cove,  Rocky  Neck.)  Q,  Troop  of  savages 
coming  to  surprise  them.  (At  Rocky  Neck.)  R,  Sand  beach.  (Niles' 
Beach,  at  Eastern  Point.)  S,  The  sea-coast.  (Back  side  of  Eastern  Point.) 
T,  The  Sieur  de  Poutrincourt  in  ambuscade  with  seven  or  eight  arquebusiers. 
V,  The  Sieur  de  Champlain  perceiving  the  savages. 

In  1603  Samuel  de  Champlain  sailed  on  a  voyage  to  Canada  and  ascended 
the  St.  Lawrence  as  far  as  Cartier  went  in  1535.  In  1604  he  made  a  second 
voyage,  as  pilot  for  De  Monts,  lieutenant-general  of  L'Acadie.  They  sailed 
from  Havre  April  7,  saw  Sable  Island  May  1,  and  fixed  the  place  for  their 
winter  residence  on  St.  Croix  Island  in  the  St.  Croix  river.  Sept.  2,  Cham- 
plain left  St.  Croix  for  a  cruise,  sailed  up  the  Penobscot  as  far  as  Bangor, 
and  then  returned  to  his  winter  quarters.  June  18,  1605,  De  Monts  and 
Champlain,  with  a  small  company,  left  St.  Croix  and  cruised  along  the  coast 
to  the  southward  until  July  16,  when  they  reached  "a  cape,  where  there  were 
three  islands*  near  the  main  land,  full  of  trees  of  different  kinds.  We  named 
this  place,"  says  Champlain,  "Cap  aux  Isles,t  near  which  we  perceived  a 
canoe  containing  five  or  six  savages,  who  came  near  our  bark  and  then  went 

♦The  "Three  Turks'  Heads"  of  Capt.  John  Smith;  now  Straitsmouth  Island,  Thacher's 
Island,  and  Milk  Island.    tNow  Cape  Ann. 


io  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

away  to  dance  upon  the  shore.  I  went  ashore  to  see  them,  and  gave  to  each 
a  knife  and  some  biscuit,  which  caused  them  to  dance  again  better  than 
before.  I  next  made  them  understand,  as  well  as  I  could,  that  they  should 
show  me  the  coast.  After  having  drawn  with  a  piece  of  charcoal  the  bay 
and  the  cape  of  islands  where  we  were,  they  made  a  figure  with  the  same 
charcoal  of  another  bay,t  which  they  represented  very  large,  on  which  they 
put  six  pebbles  at  equal  distances,  giving  me  to  understand  by  so  doing  that 
each  of  these  stones  denoted  the  habitation  of  a  chief  and  his  tribe.  Then 
they  drew  at  the  said  Longue  Baie  a  river§  that  we  had  passed,  which  ex- 
tends very  far  and  has  sand  flats.  These  savages  told  us  that  those  who 
dwelt  in  this  country  cultivate  the  earth  as  the  others  whom  we  had  seen 
before.     This  place  is  in  the  latitude  of  43  degrees  and  some  minutes." 

On  this  voyage  Champlain  did  not  enter  Gloucester  harbor,  but  proceeded 
to  Nauset,  Cape  Cod,  from  which  place  he  returned  to  St.  Croix.  In  1606, 
however,  he  made  another  voyage,  accompanied  by  the  Sieur  de  Poutrin- 
court,  sailing  from  Port  Royal,  whither  the  settlers  had  removed  from  St. 
Croix,  Aug.  28th.  They  arrived  at  Saco  Sept.  21,  and  continuing  on  their 
course,  on  arriving  at  the  "  Cap  aux  Isles,"  came  to  anchor  at  the  entrance 
of  the  harbor.  The  next  day  they  came  up  the  harbor,  and  landed.  "We 
saw,"  says  the  voyager,  "some  good  ripe  grapes,  Brazil  nuts,  gourds,  and 
some  roots  which  the  savages  cultivate.  They  gave  us  some  of  these  in 
exchange  for  little  trifles  we  had  given  to  them.  They  had  already  gathered 
their  harvest.  We  saw  two  hundred  savages  in  the  place,  the  chief  of  which, 
Quiouhamenec,  came  to  us  with  a  cousin  named  Cohonepec,  for  whom  we 
made  good  cheer.  Onemechin,  a  Saco  chief,  also  came  to  see  us,  to  whom 
we  gave  a  coat,  which  he  soon  gave  away  to  another  because  it  did  not  fit 
him.  We  also  saw  a  savage  who  had  been  wounded  in  the  heel,  while  run- 
ning towards  the  bark,  and  had  lost  so  much  blood  that  he  fainted.  Many 
others  came  around  him,  singing  some  time  before  they  would  touch  him ; 
then,  making  certain  gestures  with  their  hands  and  feet,  they  moved  his 
head,  and,  upon  their  blowing  upon  him,  he  came  to  himself.  Our  surgeon 
dressed  his  wound  and  he  went  gaily  away ;  '  but,  two  hours  after,  he  came 
again,'  adds  L.  Escarbot,  'the  most  jocund  in  the  world,  having  put  about 
his  head  the  binding  cloth  wherewith  his  heel  was  wrapped,  for  to  seem  the 
more  gallant.' 

"The  next  day,  as  some  of  our  men  were  caulking  our  shallop,  the  Sieur 
de  Poutrincourt  saw  in  the  woods  a  number  of  savages  who  came  with  the 
intention  of  making  us  some  trouble.  They  were  going  to  a  little  brook 
which  is  upon  the  narrow  part  of  a  bank  which  leads  to  the  mainland,  where 
our  people  wash  their  linen.  As  I  was  walking  along  this  bank,  they  per- 
ceived me,  and  to  put  a  good  face  on  the  matter,  because  they  saw  that  I 

^Massachusetts  Bay.    §The  Merrimac. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  n 

had  discovered  them,  they  began  to  shout  and  to  prepare  for  dancing.  Then 
they  came  towards  me  with  their  bows,  arrows,  quivers  and  other  arms,  and, 
as  there  was  a  meadow  between  them  and  me,  I  made  signs  to  them  that 
they  should  dance  again,  whereupon  they  formed  a  circle  and  put  all  their 
arms  in  the  centre  of  it.  They  had  hardly  commenced  to  dance,  when  they 
saw  the  Sieur  de  Poutrincourt  within  the  wood,  with  eight  arquebusiers, 
which  astonished  them.  They  stopped  dancing,  and  retired  from  one  side 
and  the  other,  with  apprehension  that  we  should  do  them  some  harm.  We 
said  no  more  to  them,  however,  and  only  made  some  demonstrations  of 
rejoicing.  Then  we  returned  to  our  boat  in  order  to  put  to  sea  and  get  away 
from  them.  They  wanted  us  to  stay  one  day,  saying  that  more  than  2000 
men  would  come  to  see  us,  but  not  willing  to  lose  time  we  would  not  longer 
delay.     I  believe  that  they  wanted  to  surprise  us. 

"They  have  some  cultivated  land  and  are  clearing  it  up  all  the  time.  See 
how  they  do  it !  They  cut  the  trees  at  the  height  of  three  feet  from  the 
ground ;  then  they  burn  the  branches  upon  the  trunk  and  sow  their  corn 
between  the  cut  wood ;  and  in  the  course  of  time  they  take  away  the  roots. 
There  are  also  meadows  there  sufficient  for  nourishing  a  number  of  cattle. 

"This  port  is  a  very  good  one,  having  .sufficient  water  for  vessels,  and 
affording  shelter  behind  some  islands.  It  is  in  the  latitude  of  43  degrees, 
and  we  have  named  it  Le  Beau  Port." 

These  French  explorers  next  sailed  to  Cape  Cod,  leaving  Quiohamenec 
and  his  tribe  in  quiet  possession  of  their  territory,  which  is  not  known  to 
have  been  again  touched  by  the  feet  of  civilized  men  till  it  was  occupied  by 
a  few  English  fishermen  in  1623.  We  should  be  glad  to  know  something 
of  the  doings  and  adventures  of  the  fourteen  men  who  composed  this  last 
company,  but  no  pen  has  traced  the  history  of  the  second  landing  at  Le 
Beau  Port. 


-  M  -----  ■ 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


A  Winter's  Trip  to  Georges. 

BY    WALTER    HILL. 

Outward  Bound — On  the  Banks — Good  Fishing — A  Sleeping  Giant — Change 
of  Scene — Fishermen's  Rations — Eating  under  Difficulties — The  Giant 
Arouses — To  keep  our  Courage  up — Boarded  by  a  Sea — Narrow  Escape — 
A  Thrilling  Sight — At  Daybreak — In  their  Place — After  the  Storm — Home- 
ward Bound. 


Let  us  suppose  ourselves  on  board  a  trim  fishing  craft,  like  the  above, 
with  a  good  supply  of  frozen  herring  on  board,  running  out  from  Glouces- 
ter harbor,  bound  to  Georges  Banks.  We  are  heading  E.  S.  E.,  with  a  trip 
of  140  or  150  miles  before  us.  The  wind  is  N.  W.,  and  the  sky  is  cloud- 
less, and  we  arrive  on  the  grounds  the  day  following  our  departure,  pretty 
early  in  the  day,  and  "  bring  to  "  in  about  30  fathoms  of  water,  furl  the  can- 
vas and  bend  the  riding-sail.  The  lads  are  soon  at  work  with  their  lines. 
There  are  several  vessels  in  our  vicinity,  and  the  two  that  we  spoke  before 
"bringing  to''  gave  us  but  little  encouragement.  But  this  is  not  to  be  de- 
pended on,  for  they  would  say  the  same  thing,  probably,  if  the  fish  were 
"solid"  around  them.  Some  skippers  direct  the  crew  to  stop  fishing  when 
a  vessel  comes  along  making  inquiries  of  this  nature,  so  as  to  mislead  them. 
There  is  some  justification  for  this  practice  in  winter  time,  since  the  great- 
est peril  arises  from  too  much  crowding,  and  there  are  plenty  of  men  in 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  13 

charge  of  vessels  who  are  reckless  enough  to  anchor  "right  on  top"  of 
another  vessel  if  they  should  see  the  latter  haul  in  half  a  dozen  fish. 

However,  we  don't  find  much  here,  and  on  the  following  morning  make  a 
"berth"  to  the  eastward  and  "club  her"  (7.  e.  anchor)  in  about  40  fathoms. 
Several  vessels  in  sight  here  too  ;  two  or  three  quite  close  enough.  Here 
we  meet  with  better  fishing,  although  not  anything  extra,  and  by  night  the 
boys  average  about  35  fish  each. 

The  following  morning,  the  wind  being  brisk  from  the  westward,  we  are 
called  betimes,  and  the  "morning  watch"  reports  as  we  sit  down  to  break- 
fast that  he  has  not  had  a  "bite"  yet.  This  does  not  disconcert  us  much, 
as  the  fish  often  refuse  to  bite  for  an  hour  or  so  after  daylight ;  and  so  it 
turns  out  in  this  instance,  for  we  soon  find  ourselves  pretty  briskly  employed, 
and  are  able  to  keep  ourselves  warm  with  constant  hauling.  It  is  a  busy 
scene^but  the  reader  will  readily  perceive  that  the  intensity  of  the  cold,  even 
on  a  moderately  fine  day  in  February,  precludes  much  pleasurable  emotion 
warming  one's  breast,  aside  from  the  cold  satisfaction  that  one  feels  that 
every  fish  taken  is  so  much  added  to  the  common  good. 

Well,  by  night  we  are  all  fairly  tired  out,  you  may  be  sure,  and  no  one  is 
sorry  to  stretch  out  in  his  bunk  and  enjoy  a  snooze.  The  "high-line "  to-day 
caught  85  fish,  and  the  "low-line  "  60,  a  more  than  average  day's  fishing. 

Two  more  fine  days  of  glorious  fishing  weather.  The  boys  have  been 
making  good  use  of  the  time,  too,  and  some  of  the  "  knowing  ones"  estimate 
about  35,000  weight  of  fish  in  the  hold. 

We  have  now  reached  Thursday  evening,  and  will  note  the  appearance 
of  the  weather  particularly,  as  we  expect  an  early  change.  The  "glass  "  is 
six  or  seven-tenths  above  thirty,  and  that  indicates  the  approach  of  an 
"Easterly."  The  wind  has  been  light  from  the  S.  W.  all  day,  falling  at 
times  to  a  calm  ;  then  light  zephyrs  spring  up  and  chase  each  other  along 
in  quick  succession.  It  is  one  of  the  few  really  enjoyable  days  we  get  dur- 
ing the  winter  months  in  this  climate,  and  some  of  the  sanguine  ones  have 
already,  in  their  mind's  eye,  started  for  home  with  a  full  fare.  There  is 
some  "swell"  on  it  is  true,  but  no  more  than  would  fairly  represent  the 
respiration  of  such  a  peaceful,  sleepy  giant  as  the  one  on  whose  bosom  we 
rest.  On  such  occasions  this  monster  becomes  to  me  endowed  with  speech, 
and  seems  to  say  with  a  benevolent  smile,  "Don't  be  scared  of  me;  I  never 
harmed  anything  in  the  world  of  my  own  accord  ;  it  is  only  when  that  aggra- 
vating brother  of  mine,  Boreas,  provokes  me  to  fury  with  his  spiteful 
whistling  and  howling  that  I  unwillingly  work  so  much  destruction — but  I 
am  always  sorry  for  it  afterwards."  And  going  on  so,  the  lazy,  hulking, 
good-natured  giant  half  inclines  me  to  believe  that  he  is  sincere.  I  should 
certainly  scout,  any  other  idea  but  for  the  recollection  of  certain  slaps  he 


i4  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

has  hit  me  from  time  to  time,  which  on  two  or  three  occasions  have  well- 
nigh  sent  me  into  "the  sweet  bye-and-bye." 

Darkness  has  come  upon  us  while  we  have  been  musing,  and  as  we  may, 
before  many  hours,  perhaps,  be  in  the  midst  of  a  storm,  we  had  better  take 
time  by  the  forelock  and  secure  a  nap  while  we  may.  The  "night-watch" 
has  already  been  set,  the  signal  light  is  burning  brightly,  and  even  our 
neighbor,  the  giant,  is  breathing  less  perceptibly,  as  if  inviting  us,  too,  to 
repose. 

Friday  morning.  Decided  change  this  morning.  The  wind  has  sprung 
up  from  the  N.  E.  during  the  night,  and  the  clouds  betoken  a  heavy  snow- 
storm at  hand.  Our  sanguine  friends  of  last  night  look  as  if  brick  vails  had 
sprung  up  between  them  and  their  airy  hopes.  On  the  principle  of  "  making 
hay  while  the  sun  shines,"  every  man  is  doing  his  utmost  to  swell  his  total 
of  fish  to  a  respectable  figure  while  there  is  still  a  chance  to  fish.  The  cod, 
too,  are  biting  pretty  freely,  and  the  vessel  begins  to  surge  and  creak  to  her 
cable  uneasily,  like  an  impatient  horse  champing  the  bit  and  pawing  the 
ground. 

The  skipper,  who  was  up  betimes,  is  uneasy,  also,  and  now  goes  forward 
to  inspect  the  cable,  and  then  below  to  consult  the  barometer,  which  this 
morning  stood  almost  on  30.80,  but  has  since  commenced  to  fall,  bringing 
along  occasional  spits  of  snow.  He  is  particularly  anxious  about  the  bear- 
ings of  the  three  or  four  vessels  in  our  immediate  vicinity, — one  right  astern 
and  another  on  the  "starboard  quarter"  giving  him  much  concern. 

The  light  scattered  snowflakes  now  fall  thicker  and  faster.  The  neigh- 
boring vessels  become  more  and  more  indistinct,  till  they  fade  out  of  sight 
altogether,  and  leave  us  alone  with  the  increasing  wind,  the  blinding  snow 
and  the  rising  sea !  Our  giants  are  evidently  about  to  commence  one  of 
their  wildest  bouts. 

There  is  the  skipper's  voice.  What  does  he  say  ?  "Haul  in  your  lines  ! 
Heave  in  'strads'  and  give  her  cable."  The  "  strads  "  are  strands  of  rope 
plaited  together,  and  are  bound  tightly  around  the  cable  to  prevent  it  from 
chafing  in  the  hawse-pipe.  Having  taken  them  off  we  "  pay  out "  60  or  70 
fathoms,  and  "  strad  her  up  "  again  as  before.  We  also  loose  the  foresail, 
put  three  reefs  in  it,  and  roll  it  up  again,  so  as  to  have  it  ready  in  case  the 
vessel  goes  adrift  from  her  anchor.  (It  is  usually  customary  in  anchoring 
on  Georges  to  double-reef  the  foresail  before  furling  it.)  What  fish  there 
are  on  deck  we  "  dress  "  and  heave  below,  as  well  as  everything  else  that  is 
loose. 

All  being  made  snug  some  of  the  crew  "  stow  away  "  their  lines,  while 
the  more  eager  ones  heave  over  again  and  continue  fishing.  But  one  drops 
off,  and  another  drops  off,  till  the  last  man  fishing  calls  to  those  below  to 
"  set  the  watch,"  and  when  relieved  goes  below  himself.     It  is  customary 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  15 

to  have  a  watch  on  deck  at  all  times  ;  one  in  ordinary  weather,  in  very  rough 
weather  two  in  a  watch,  and  in  heavy  weather  the  whole  crew  hold  them- 
selves in  readiness  for  a  jump  at  any  moment. 

About  3  P.  M.  the  cook  invites  us  to  supper ;  for  fair  weather  or  foul  the 
inner  man  has  to  be  taken  care  of.  Let  us  take  this  opportunity  of  observ- 
ing his  hard  weather  arrangements.  He  has  a  kettle  each  of  tea  and  coffee 
always  on  the  stove,  and  one  or  the  other  is  served  with  every  meal.  The 
provender  consists  of  hash,  fish  chowder,  salt  beef,  bread  and  butter,  ginger- 
bread, and  dried  apple  or  corn  starch  pies.  A  good  deal  depends  on  the 
cook  however,  and  his  mode  of  catering.  With  a  good  cook  everything 
goes  smoothly.  There  are  guards  on  the  table,  to  keep  things  from  rolling 
and  sliding  off ;  but  these  are  not  effectual  in  very  stormy  weather. 

And  now  darkness  approaches  apace.  Looking  to  windward  is  a  painful 
operation,  and  one  can  only  snatch  a  glance.  Nothing  is  to  be  seen  but 
a  blank  prospect  of  snow,  which  strikes  the  face  with  the  sharpness  of  hail. 

This  is  why  fishermen  so  much  dread  a  N.  E.  storm,  it  places  them  so 
utterly  at  the  mercy  of  chance.  There  maybe  a  vessel  two  seas  off  bearing 
down  to  sweep  both  to  destruction.  Like  the  sword  of  Damocles,  the  danger 
is  always  hanging  over  their  heads  as  long  as  the  storm  continues.  But  of 
its  actual  approach  there  is  short  warning.  A  careless  "lookout"  would  be 
inevitable  destruction. 

The  "night  watch"  being  "set,"  on  such  occasions  as  this  the  rest  of  the 
crew  usually  muster  in  the  cabin,  all  "  oiled  up."  The  "old  hands"  will  be 
reminded  of  similar  breezes  in  the  past,  and  entertain  us  with  narrations  of 
narrow  escapes,  etc.  Old  Uncle  Parsons  details  the  story  of  his  narrow 
escape  in  the  2d  April  breeze ;  also  in  the  4th  March  breeze  ;  and  again 
when  he  successfully  rode  out  the  gale  in  which  75  other  vessels  cut  their 
cables  and  several  were  lost.  Another  "old  fogy,"  usually  reticent,  makes 
quite  a  little  history  of  his  experience  in  the  Georgesman  that  "turned  over" 
with  them  while  "lying"  on  the  Bank  in  a  heavy  breeze;  and,  although 
dismasted,  righted  herself  and  fetched  them  home  safely  after  all. 

We  begin  to  be  quite  oblivious  of  the  present  breeze,  when  a  heavy  sea 
strikes  us,  careens  the  vessel  over,  and  sends  everybody  tumbling  down  to 
leeward.  The  skipper,  who  has  been  standing  in  the  companion-way, 
"bobs"  down  and  hauls  over  the  "scuttle,"  just  in  time  to  prevent  a  drench- 
ing sea  from  pouring  down.  The  watch  on  deck  keeps  out  of  harm's  way 
by  getting  on  the  "foregaff,"  clear  of  the  wildly-rushing  water  on  deck. 

This  little  "  flare-up  "  of  excitement  has  just  subsided,  when  the  hands  on 
the  lookout  give  a  loud  cry.  Although  none  know  what  was  actually  said, 
all  recognize  the  fact  that  imminent  peril  was  expressed  in  the  manner  and 
tone,  and  all  hands  at  once  rush  on  deck.  The  skipper  has  already  placed 
himself  at  the  cable,  with  a  sharp  axe,  and  every  eye  is  strained  into  the 


16  FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK. 

gloom  to  distinguish  the  fatal  light — for  light  it  is — surely  approaching! 
There  is  hope  yet  that. the  coming  craft  may  drift  across  our  bows  without 
striking  us,  for  the  tide  is  setting  over  that  way  somewhat.  Yonder  she 
emerges  from  the  gloom,  and  we  can  distinguish  the  dim  outline  of  her  spars 
and  hull.  It  seems  as  if  nothing  short  of  a  miracle  can  prevent  the  danger 
from  culminating.  The  skipper  has  twice  lifted  his  axe  to  strike  the  sever- 
ing blow  at  the  cable,  but  the  remembrance  of  the  vessels  to  leeward  of  us 
causes  him  to  hesitate.  But  for  this  we  should  doubtless  have  cut  at  the 
first  alarm.  Now  she  rises  on  the  crest  of  a  sea,  right  ahead  of  us,  and  five 
seconds  more  will  tell  the  tale.  The  suspense  which  thrills  every  breast 
suspends  respiration ;  almost  stops  circulation.  The  tongue  is  powerless, 
and  all  the  faculties  are  concentrated  in  the  eyes.  Every  gaze  is  riveted  on 
the  vessel  as  she  rises,  more  on  the  bow  this  time,  and  every  man  draws 
a  great  breath  of  relief,  for  we  know  that  the  danger  is  past ! 

She  is  now  abreast  of  us,  but  going  away  slowly  on  the  starboard  quarter. 
So  near  is  she  that  we  feel  her  cable  running  up  across  our  own,  but  we 
know  from  its  buoyancy  that  there  is  no  anchor  on  the  end  of  it,  so  we  have 
no  fear  of  its  hooking  hold  of  us.  Away  into  the  gloom,  out  of  sight,  drifts 
the  fated  vessel,  her  crew  unconscious  of  the  new  perils  so  near  at  hand,  to 
leeward.  The  drift  she  was  making  when  we  lost  sight  of  her  would  take 
her  very,  very  near  the  vessel  whose  bearings  we  took  on  the  starboard  quar- 
ter before  the  storm  set  in.  God  help  the  poor  fellows  !  To  be  adrift  on 
Georges  Bank  at  such  a  time,  among  a  fleet  of  vessels,  is  a  danger  only 
to  be  realized  by  those  who  have  been  through  some  experience  of  the  kind. 

Is  it  by  chance  that  the  snow  shortly  after  this  suddenly  ceases?  The 
cessation  is  of  but  short  duration,  but  as  it  clears  to  leeward  all  eyes  are 
searching  for  the  lights,  and  soon  one  is  descried  as  it  rises  on  the  sea.  We 
try  to  see  the  other — we  know  there  must  be  two  in  that  direction.  The 
next  sea  reveals  to  all  that  there  are  two  lights  there,  together  !  A  loud 
and  horrified  cry  announces  this  discovery,  and  then  every  man  seems  frozen 
to  a  statue.  The  terrible  interest  centered  in  those  entangled  lights  seems 
to  suspend  every  sense  but  that  of  sight,  which  it  intensifies. 

This  scene  has  scarcely  become  distinct,  when  like  a  vision  it  fades  away. 
The  snow  falls  again,  and  the  lights  disappear,  whether  behind  the  curtain 
of  snow,  or  whether  they  sink  into  the  embrace  of  the  furious  giant  who  was 
yesterday  so  softly  enchanting  us,  we  are  in  doubt.  But  of  the  end  of  the 
encounter  there  is,  alas  !  no  room  even  for  doubt. 

Daylight  breaks,  or  rather,  creeps,  on  us  at  last.  I  question  if  there  is 
a  man  on  board,  be  he  infidel  or  Christian,  who  does  not  feel  a  sense  of 
thankfulness  as  he  recognizes  the  long-deferred  light  slowly  spreading  over 
and  through  the  scene.  The  crests  of  the  breaking  seas  become  visible 
further  and  further.     The  snowflakes  show  up  in  relief  against  the  increas- 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  17 

ing  dawn,  and  soon  all  the  daylight  the  storm  will  permit  is  ours.  The  cook 
does  not  lay  any  table  for  breakfast,  and  we  go  down  and  snatch  what  we 
can  to  eat,  and  swallow  some  hot  coffee.  Several  ugly  seas  boarded  us 
during  the  night,  and  bulwarks  are  stove,  gurry-kids  smashed,  and  other 
damage  done,  but  all  thought  of  this  dwarfed  into  insignificance  in  the  face 
of  the  thrilling  scene  we  were  going  through. 

As  the  morning  advances  it  becomes  evident  that  we  have  seen  the 
extreme  fur)'  of  the  storm.  The  "glass"  is  beginning  to  rise,  and  towards 
noon  the  snow  slowly  ceases.  The  wind  is  also  moderating.  We  endeavor 
in  the  afternoon  to  snatch  a  nap.  I  try  hard  to  sleep,  but  with  poor  success. 
My  imagination  is  excited,  and  my  sleep  is  fitful  and  troubled  with  dreams. 
I  fancy  myself  on  board  the  lost  vessels  during  the  last  few  hopeless  min- 
utes, and  appear  to  have  plenty  of  leisure  to  observe  the  effects  as  shown  in 
the  different  faces  around  me.  I  mark  expressions  of  wild  supplication,  of 
cool  resignation,  of  steady  bravery,  of  desperation,  and  wicked  bravado  even 
yet.  Here  I  recognize  the  face  of  a  young  man  who  has  often  spoken  of 
his  hope  of  soon  going  across  the  ocean  to  see  once  more  his  mother  and 
sisters  there,  and  endeavoring  to  get  them  to  accompany  him  back.  There 
is  another  who  has  amassed  a  respectable  sum  in  the  savings  bank,  and  has 
hopes  of  soon  investing  in  a  vessel  himself,  and  of  marrying  at  the  same 
time.  In  another  face  I  recognize  a  frank,  cheerful  young  fellow,  just 
beginning  the  world,  full  of  hope  and  boisterous  merriment,  and  whose  only 
fault  is  that  he  is  too  free  for  his  own  good.  And  lastly,  another  familiar 
face  I  have  often  seen  ;  mark  the  stolid,  stupid  indifference  of  expression 
even  now.  He  is  a  married  man,  and  has  a  deserving  wife,  but  he  himself 
is  a  drunkard,  long  since  lost  to  all  sense  of  self-respect.  It  is  ever  so 
when  a  man  oversteps  the  bounds  of  blessed  moderation  and  allows  all  his 
mind,  soul  and  strength  to  centre  on  the  bottle.  What  thoughts  occupy  his 
mind  in  this  awful  moment?  Is  he  consumed  with  remorse?  Has  he  a 
thought  for  that  woman  he  has  wronged  and  made  miserable  all  her  life 
long?  Does  he  think  of  his  neglected  children  ?  Or  is  he  merely  wishing 
for  a  parting  grasp  and  swig  of  that  bottle  which  should  be  a  comfort,  but  is 
so  often  made  a  curse  ? 

"  Over  the  brink  of  it, 
Picture  it,  think  of  it, 
Dissolute  man." 

Just  as  these  words  are  running  through  my  mind  somebody  shakes  me 
and  says  I  am  talking  "gibberish."  This  is  somewhat  mortifying,  for  I  could 
have  emphatically  declared  that  I  was  giving  expression  to  the  above  quota- 
tion from  Hood. 

I  go  on  deck,  and  find  other  restless  ones  fishing.  I  follow  suit  and  get 
a  few  fish.  Before  dark  we  "heave  in  "  "slack  cable."  The  wind  is  in  the 
southward  now,  but  it  will  come  round  to  the  westward.     I  manage  to  get 


18  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

some  sleep  through  the  night  and  rise  refreshed.  I  find  the  wind  is  N.  W., 
the  air  keen,  and  everything  dry  and  hard  with  frost.  It  is  freshening,  and 
it  is  more  than  we  can  do  to  keep  warm,  hauling  all  the  time.  The  fish  soon 
freeze  stiff  after  they  come  on  deck,  and  they  are  biting  briskly.  Several 
good  halibut,  too,  have  been  secured. 

At  night  we  have  to  "  pay  out "  more  cable  again,  and  the  breeze  promises 
to  be  heavy,  but  there  is  only  one  vessel  in  our  vicinity  now,  and  with  good 
clear  weather  we  do  not  fear  any  trouble.  It  blows  heavy  through  the  night, 
and  just  about  daylight  a  heavy  sea  strikes  us  and  makes  the  vessel  tremble. 
The  watch  soon  after  puts  his  head  down  the  "  scuttle  "  and  says,  "  She's 
adrift."  We  all  jump  out,  slip  on  "oil-skins,"  and  get  on  deck.  The  fore- 
sail is  loosed  and  set ;  then  we  proceed  to  heave  in  the  cable,  which  we  find 
has  been  chafed  pretty  well  through  by  sawing  across  a  rock  on  the  bottom. 

We  are  now  standing  with  our  head  to  the  nor'ard,  and  as  we  have 
received  a  good  deal  of  damage,  the  skipper  decides  to  make  for  home. 
The  wind  moderates,  so  we  make  sail  and  pound  ice — for  forward  our  vessel 
is  a  sheet  of  ice,  and  ropes,  windlass  and  cable  are  all  buried  in  several 
inches  of  it.  But  all  hands  turn  to  with  a  will,  and  things  are  soon  put  to 
rights.  The  wind  becomes  more  favorable,  and  we  make  all  sail  and  head 
for  Gloucester.  Joyful  faces  are  watching  for  us  there ;  but,  alas !  for  the 
poor  hearts  to  whom  we  bring  tidings  of  bereavement — of  fathers  gone  for. 
ever ;  of  brothers  nevermore  to  return,  and  sons  whose  manly  right  hands 
will  never  earn  honorable  support  for  aged  parents  again. 

Few  of  the  affluent  have  any  idea  of  the  dangers  encountered  and  braved 
to  procure  those  savory  dishes  of  fish  which  they  so  highly  appreciate ;  and 
I  am  afraid  few  even  stop  to  enquire  whether  the  fishermen  are  well  or  illy 
paid  for  their  labor.  There  is 'one  duty,  however,  which  people  of  fortune 
ought  not  to  neglect,  in  my  opinion,  and  that  is,  to  contribute  liberally  to 
the  support  of  the  widows  and  orphans  of  whom  this  arduous  calling  makes 
so  many. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


19 


Prices  of  Mackerel  and  Codfish  in  the  Gloucester  Market  Sept.  1st,  for  the 

Past  52  Years. 


PRICES    OF    MACKEREL    PER    BBL. 


PRICES  OF  CODFISH  PER  QTL. 


No.  1. 


No.  2. 


No.  3. 


1830 

$5.00 

$4.50 

$2.62 

1831 

5.75 

4.75 

2.62 

1832 

5.00 

4.00 

2.75 

1833 

5.72 

4.72 

2.85 

1834 

5.72 

4.72 

3.35 

1835 

7.00 

6.00 

4.00 

1836 

9.00 

8.00 

5.00 

1837 

7.75 

6.50 

4.12 

1838 

11.00 

9.25 

5.50 

1839 

12.50 

10.50 

7.00 

1810 

12.75 

10.50 

5.50 

1841 

12.00 

10.00 

6.00 

1842 

9.00 

6.00 

4.00 

1843 

10.12 

8.12 

6.00 

1844 

9.50 

7.50 

5.50 

1845 

13.00 

10.50 

6.87 

1846 

9.12 

6.25 

3.87 

1847 

12.75 

8.25 

4.25 

1848 

9.00 

6.00 

3.37 

1849 

12.00 

7.00 

3.50 

1850 

10.12 

8.12 

5.00 

1851 

10.00 

6.50 

5.12 

1852 

9.00 

7.00 

5.75 

1853 

11.50 

9.50 

7.50 

1854 

15.00 

12.25 

5.00 

1855 

19.00 

11.00 

6.25 

1856 

13.00 

8.00 

6.00 

1857 

15.00 

12.50 

8.50 

1858 

15.50 

12.50 

8.50 

1859 

14.50 

12.50 

8.50 

1860 

16.87 

11.00 

8.00 

1861 

7.50 

4.50 

3.50 

1862 

8.25 

6.00 

4.50 

1863 

14.00 

9.25 

6.50 

1864 

30.00 

20.0o 

1865 

22.00 

15.00 

9.75 

1866 

23.50 

18.25 

13.25 

1867 

19.25 

12.50 

9.75 

1868 

20.50 

14.00 

1869 

21.00 

12.00 

7.50 

1870 

24.00 

10.00 

1871 

11.25 

7.25 

6.25 

1872 

15.00 

9.50 

7.25 

1873 

20.00 

12.25 

9.25 

1874 

13.25 

9.00 

7.00 

1875 

16.25 

10.25 

1876 

15.00 

6.75 

5.50 

1877 

16.50 

12.50 

8.00 

1878 

18.00 

8.00 

5.00 

1879 

5.00 

3.00 

1880 

14.00 

7.00 

4.00 

1881 

14.00 

6.00 

4.00 

$2.12 

2.50 

2.58 

2.46 

2.00 

2.62 

3.00 

2.67 

3.25 

3.50 

2.25 

2.37 

2.37 

2.75 

2.17 

2.25 

2.56 

3.12 

2.25 

2.12 

, 

2.37 

2.75 

3.25 

3.00 

3.50 

3.25 

3.50 

3.75 

3.50 

Georges. 

4.25 

4.00 

3.12 

3.80 

5.75 

8.50 

8.00 

8.00 

6.12 

7.37 

7.37 

6.87 

Bank. 

Shore. 

4.50 

$4.00 

5.75 

5.00 

5.50 

5.12 

5.25 

5.00 

5.25 

4.75 

5.25 

4.50 

4.75 

4.25 

4.25 

3.50 

$3.75 

4.00 

3.62 

3.87 

5.50 

4.50 

5.00 

5.00 

3.87 

4.50 

20 


FISHERMMN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Leaves  from  a  Log-Book— Eemarkable  Adventures  and 
Hair-Breadth  Escapes, 

BY   J.    W.    COLLINS. 

The  following  incidents — extracts  from  a  daily  journal  kept  by  the  writer 
while  engaged  in  the  fresh  halibut  fishery,  and  remarkable  and  well  authen- 
ticated personal  experiences  of  others — it  is  hoped,  will  convey  to  the  reader 
some  idea  of  the  vicissitudes  and  perils  to  which  our  fishermen  are  exposed 
while  pursuing  their  hazardous  occupation.  At  the  same  time  some  knowl- 
edge may  be  gained  of  the  daily  life  of  a  class  of  men  among  whom  may  be 
found  examples  of  courageous  daring  and  hardihood  unsurpassed  by  any- 
thing which  has  ever  been  written.  There  are  few,  indeed,  among  those 
who  have  been  engaged  in  the  Gloucester  fisheries  who  cannot  relate  truth- 
ful though  startling  tales  of  their  personal  adventures.  Though  none  of  our 
fisheries  are  exempt  from  peril,  it  may  be  safely  said  that  the  winter  cod- 
fishery  on  Georges  Bank,  and  the  trawl  fishery,  especially  that  for  haddock 
and  halibut  in  winter,  are  the  most  dangerous  of  all.  The  last  named 
— the  fresh  halibut  fishery — from  its  peculiar  nature  furnishes  much  that  is 
interesting,  and  will  be  especially  considered  here,  though  in  quoting  from 
the  log-book,  much  of  the  writer's  own  experience  must  necessarily  be  given. 
So  sharp  is  the  competition  in  this  business  that  fearful  risks  are  taken  in 
securing  fares  and  carrying  them  to  market. 

The  operation  of  setting  and  hauling  the  trawls  goes  on  with  all  possible 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK.  2 1 

diligence  whenever,. the  weather  will  permit  it.  And  in  this  matter  of  suita- 
ble weather  the  fishermen  are  not  at  all  fastidious,  nor  can  they  afford  to  be. 
Thus  the  boats  are  often  caught  out  in  heavy  squalls  and  driven  away  to 
float  helplessly  for  days  and  nights  until  their  occupants  succumb  to  hunger 
or  succeed  in  reaching  some  other  vessel.  Other  dories'  are  upset  on 
"  rough  "  days,  and  though  the  men  are  sometimes  rescued,  more  frequently 
they  become  exhausted  and  sink  in  the  icy  waters.  Again,  -the  men  will  put 
out  in  the  midst  of  the  dense  fogs  so  characteristic  of  the  Newfoundland 
Banks,  and  lose  the  position  of  the  vessel  in  spite  of  loud  fog-horns ;  or,  in 
winter,  they  will  be  overtaken  by  blinding  snow-squalls,  hiding  everything 
in  a  thick  and  turbulent  waste  of  clashing  spray  and  drifting  snow. 

On  idle  days,  or  when,  late  in  the  evening,  the  crew  gather  in  the  forecastle 
for  their  usual  lunch  before  turning  in,  you  will  hear  thrilling  tales  of  these 
adventures,  and  escapes  by  only  the  breadth  of  a  hair  from  boundless  torture 
or  sudden  death.  Nor  are  these  "yarns" — they  are  reserved  for  the  gaping 
crowd  around  the  stove  at  the  corner  grocery  ashore.  When  fo'c's'le  men 
compare  notes,  each  one  knows  the  rest  are  critics,  and  dares  not  draw  the 
long  bow — at  least  not  beyond  the  limit  of  true  dramatic  effect.  Yet  who- 
ever heard  that  these  narrations  of  peril  ever  deterred  a  dory's  crew  from 
putting  off  when  it  seemed  necessary  ?     Mr.  Stedman,  you  are  right  :— 

"  Brave  are  the  hearts  that  man 
The  fishing  smacks  of  Gloucester,  the  sea-boats  of  Cape  Ann." 

STARTING  FOR  THE  BANK. 

The  fittings,  including  ice,  provisions,  water, 
boats,  and  fishing  apparatus,  having  been  tak- 
en on  board  and  snugly  stowed  away,  next 
comes  the  day  of  sailing,  which  oftentimes  is 
quite  an  episode  in  the  fisherman's  life,  since 
he  must  then  part  with  all  he  holds  dear, 
knowing  full  well  what  dread  uncertainties 
lie  between  his  departure  and  return.  The 
sailing  day  may  occur  at  any  season,  and 
each  time  may  vary  in  some  particulars,  though 
the  general  features  remain  the  same.  The  account  of  the  day  of  which 
I  now  write  I  find  in  my  journal  under  date  of  January  24,  1879. 

The  men  composing  our  crew  came  down  to  the  wharf,  alongside  of  which 
lay  our  vessel,  about  half-past  eight  o'clock  in  the  morning,  many  of  them 
bringing  a  small  calico  bag  containing  a  small  supply  of  clean  clothes,  and 
providing  themselves  at  the  fitting-out  store  with  pipes  and  tobacco  for  the 
trip.     Two  of  the  crew  are  sent  off  to  the  "baiter  "—a  vessel  lying  at  anchor 


32  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

in  the  harbor  with  flag  flying — and  soon  return  with  four  or  five  thousand 
stiffly  frozen  herring,  which  are  hastily  stored  in  the  hold  under  straw  to 
prevent  their  thawing.  A  little  before  noon — the  tide  serving  at  that  time — 
we  got  underway  and  worked  out  of  the  harbor  with  a  moderate  southwest 
wind.  Aftei  p'assing  Eastern  Point  our  course  was  shaped  east  by  south, 
and  we  went  skipping  away  before  the  wind,  leaving  Brace's  Cove,  Bass 
Rocks,  and  Thacher's  Island  with  its  two  tall  lighthouses,  on  our  port  hand; 
while  astern  the  snow-covered  shores  of  Magnolia,  and  the  more  distant  land 
about  Salem  and  Marblehead  soon  grew  indistinct,  and  was  finally  lost  to 
view. 

In  the  meantime  the  ropes  have  been  coiled,  dories  turned  bottom  up  and 
securely  lashed,  and  the  vessel  pumped  out ;  while  our  ears  have  been 
pleasantly  greeted  by  the  ding  dong  of  the  cook's  dinner  bell,  calling  us 
away  from  "  straightening  up  things  on  deck."  The  crew  is  divided  into 
two  gangs  for  meals,  the  table  in  the  forecastle  not  being  large  enough  to 
accommodate  all.  One  of  the  second  gang  now  came  aft  saying:  "I'll  keep 
her  along,  skipper,  while  you  get  dinner,"  whereupon  I  gave  up  the  wheel 
which  I  had  held  since  starting,  and  went  with  the  first  gang  down  to  din- 
ner. For  dinner  we  had  the  usual  first  meal  at  sea,  which,  hastily  prepared, 
consists  of  boiled  salt  beef  and  potatoes,  white  biscuits,  pilot-bread  and 
butter,  strong  tea  and  fried  beefsteak.  This  bill  of  fare  is  very  much 
changed  as  soon  as  the  "Doctor"  (cook)  has  time  to  prepare  a  greater 
variety,  and  though  beefsteak  or  other  fresh  meat  is  rarely  seen  after  the 
first  few  days  out,  the  table  is  well  provided  with  plenty  of  good  bread,  cakes, 
pies,  &c,  and  last,  though  not  least,  the  finest  fish  are  served  up  in  a  manner 
rarely  equalled  elsewhere. 

After  dinner  the  patent-log  is  put  out,  a  note  made  of  the  bearing  and 
distance  of  the  land,  and  then  everybody  is  called  aft  to  "thumb  the  hat,"  in 
order  that  the  watch  may  be  set.  All  hands  now  stand  around  an  inverted 
hat,  taking  hold  of  it  so  that  the  thumbs  are  on  top  of  the  rim.  The  skipper 
then  turns  away  his  head,  and,  reaching  over,  touches  one  of  the  thumbs, 
and  then  counts  around  from  left  to  right  any  number  previously  decided 
upon.  The  first  one  that  the  count  reaches  has  the  first  watch.  The 
counting  then  begins  at  the  next  thumb  with  "  One,"  and  so  on  until  each 
man  knows  his  watch,  and  with  the  injunction  from  the  skipper,  "  Remember 
now  whom  you  call,"  the  performance  ends,  and  the  one  having  the  first 
watch  takes  the  wheel. 

We  now  have  an  opportunity  to  notice  critically  the  vessel,  upon  the  mer- 
its of  which  we  depend  not  only  for  the  successful  issue  of  the  voyage,  in  a 
pecuniary  sense,  but  for  the  preservation  of  life  itself.  She  is  a  clipper 
schooner  of  80  tons,  with  fine  lines  and  broad  beam,  but  "snug-rigged,"  that 
is,  carrying  but  one  jib,  as  befits  the  winter  weather.     Forward,  on  the 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  23 

larboard  side  of  the  foremast,  lies  coiled  a  huge  pile  of  manila  cable,  four 
hundred  fathoms,  or  nearly  a  half  mile  in  length.  The  main  deck  is  divided 
into  small  compartments  by  "checker  planks"  eight  or  ten  inches  wide,  set 
on  edge,  crossing  each  other  at  right  angles  and  securely  fastened  in  their 
places  ;  they  are  to  prevent  the  fish  from  sliding  across  the  deck,  and  on  top 
of  these  are  placed  the  dories,  three  on  each  side  of  the  vessel. 

The  cabin  is  ten  or  eleven  feet  square,  tastefully  finished  in  ash  and  black 
walnut,  and  containing  four  bunks — one  for  my  own  use,  the  others  for  such 
members  of  the  crew  as  have  secured  them  by  lot,  since  there  are  no  under- 
officers  to  claim  them  by  right.  The  furniture  of  the  cabin  consists  of  a 
stove  securely  fastened  to  the  floor,  a  marine  clock,  looking-glass,  barome- 
ter, and  chronometer,  the  latter  being  placed  on  the  seat  which  runs  around 
the  side  of  the  cabin,  supplying  the  place  of  chairs.  The  forecastle,  also,  is 
nicely  finished,  and  forms  the  dining-room  of  the  vessel  and  the  sleeping 
apartment  for  part  of  the  crew.  A  door  opens  from  the  forecastle  into  the 
forehold,  where  the  provisions,  water  and  fuel  are  stored,  and  where  the 
cook  has  his  pantry. 

Our  crew,  aside  from  the  cook  and  myself,  number  twelve  men :  stout, 
hardy  and  brave  fellows,  selected  for  their  proficiency  as  seamen  and  fisher- 
men. Each  one  is  known  to  be  "a  good  man  on  board  a  vessel,"  which 
means  that  he  is  an  agreeable  shipmate  and  can  always  be  relied  on  to 
perform  any  necessary  duty  without  flinching. 

But  while  we  have  been  looking  over  the  vessel,  the  wind  has  increased ; 
the  land  has  sunk  below  the  horizon,  and  our  little  schooner  is  rushing 
along  at  a  lively  rate,  occasionally  sending  her  lee  rail  under,  as  she  lurches 
in  the  rising  sea ;  while  frequent  dashes  of  spray  come  flying  over  the 
weather-quarter  rail.  A  rival  vessel,  also  bound  to  the  Banks,  is  close  by, 
and  although  our  topmast  bends  and  seems  likely  to  go  over  the  side,  we  do 
not  shorten  sail  until  we  see  a  movement  for  that  purpose  on  board  the 
other.  We  have  already  carried  our  light  sails  long  enough,  and  the  stay- 
sail comes  fluttering  down  to  the  deck,  like  a  great  white  bird  ;  the  gaff-top- 
sail is  also  clewed  up,  and  away  goes  a  man  to  furl  it,  nimbly  climbing  the 
riggmg  to  the  mainmast  head. 

A  little  before  seven  o'clock,  P.  M.,  our  vessel  took  a  heavy  lurch  to  lee- 
ward, sending  her  lee  rail  so  far  under  that,  when  she  straightened  up,  the 
deck  was  nearly  full,  and  several  bucketsful  came  down  the  companion-way, 
wetting  the  bed  clothes  in  the  lee  bunks,  and  also  the  boots  lying  on  the 
floor.  This  episode  called  forth  exclamations  more  forcible  than  polite  from 
the  occupants  of  the  lee  bunks,  and  shouts  of  laughter  from  their  compan- 
ions, who  could  see  only  the  ludicrous  side  of  the  accident.  The  sea  by  this 
time  had  risen  sharp  and  choppy,  and  so  frequent  were  the  lurches — the 
mainboom  often  going  under  to  the  slings — that  we  soon  after  double-reefed 


24  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

the  mainsail.     This  done,  I  go  below  for  the  night,  giving  the  usual  order 
to  "call  me  if  there  is  any  change  in  the  force  or  direction  of  the  wind." 

Thus  ends  the  first  day  out ;  and  never,  perhaps,  were  words  written 
which  so  fitly  describe  the  situation  of  the  outward  bound  fisherman  as  those 
of  Byron,  when  he  says : 

"  Once  more  upon  the  waters ;  yet  once  more, 

And  the  waves  beneath  me  as  a  steed 
That  knows  his  rider.    Welcome  to  their  roar! 

Swift  be  their  guidance  wheresoe'er  it  lead ; 

Though  the  strained  mast  should  quiver  as  a  reed, 

Still  must  I  on :  for  I  am  as  a  weed 
Flung  from  the  rock,  on  ocean's  foam  to  sail 
"Where'er  the  surge  may  sweep,  the  tempest's  breath  prevail." 

RUNNING  FOR  THE  BANK  IN  A  GALE. 

Sunday,  January  26th,  1879.— This  day  began  with  a  strong  breeze,  west- 
nor'west,  and  the  barometer,  which  was  on  29.15,  indicated  still  more  wind. 
The  night  (or  early  morning)  was  intensely  dark,  and  having  previously 
taken  in  and  furled  the  mainsail  and  gaff-topsail,  we  double-reefed  the  fore- 
sail at  1.20  A.  M.,  and  took  the  bonnet  out  of  the  jib.  At  this  time  the  wind 
was  increasing  rapidly,  blowing  in  sharp  puffs,  and  hauling  to  N.  N.  E., 
while  it  grew  cold  very  fast,  causing  the  flying  spray  to  soon  congeal  into 
ice  on  the  rigging  and  such  portions  of  the  hull  as  were  not  too  much  under 
water.  At  4.36  A.  M.  the  wind  had  freshened  to  a  gale,  and  the  sea  ran 
sharp  and  high,  causing  our  vessel,  which  was  running  with  the  wind  abeam, 
to  occasionally  take  a  heavy  lurch  to  leeward.  Fearing  the  dories  might  be 
injured  if  we  continued  on  our  course,  we  furled  the  jib  and  hove  to  under 
the  reefed  foresail  until  7  o'clock  in  the  morning,  at  which  time  we  kept  off 
again,  the  wind  in  the  interim  having  changed  to  N.  N.  W.,  which  was  fair 
for  us,  though  it  was  still  blowing  hard.*  It  was  intensely  cold  all  the 
morning  and  ice  made  rapidly  on  deck  and  about  the  rigging.  Notwith- 
standing this,  however,  we  set  the  jib  and  riding-sail  soon  after  breakfast, 
and  a  half  hour  later  saw  a  vessel  at  anchor  ahead,  which,  as  we  approached 
nearer,  we  knew  was  the  Everett  Steele.  There  was  no  one  to  be  seen  on 
her  deck,  and  as  we  passed  close  to  her  stern  our  men,  most  of  whom  had 
gathered  aft  on  the  quarter,  joined  in  a  general  shout.  This  had  the  desired 
effect,  and  four  or  five  of  the  Steele's  crew  rushed  up,  bare-headed  and 
stocking-footed,  to  be  greeted  by  the  laughter  of  our  fellows  as  we  went 
dashing  by.     At   10  o'clock,  A.  M.,  we  passed  a  brig,  which  was  lying  to 


*The  schooner  Howard,  of  Gloucester,  was  knocked  down  and  came  near  being  lost  in 
this  gale ;  the  Thresher,  of  the  same  port,  also  had  her  deck  swept,  and  it  is  believed  by 
many  that  the  Gwendolen,  which  was  also  bound  to  the  Banks,  went  down  the  same  day, 
since  she  was  never  seen  afterwards. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  25 

under  main-staysail.  'She  was  badly  iced  up,  and  appeared  to  be  laboring 
heavily,  rolling  her  lee  yard  arms  nearly  to  the  surface  of  the  water. 

To  one  standing  upon  the  deck  of  our  little  schooner  at  this  time,  the 
scene,  though  grand  and  impressive,  had  a  decidedly  wintry  and  dreary  look. 
The  ice-covered  hull  and  rigging,  the  dark  masses  of  snow-laden  clouds 
driven  to  leeward  by  the  gale,  which  shrieked  and  whistled  through  the 
ropes,  and  lashed  into  the  wildest  fury  the  foam-flecked  waters,  piling  them 
into  huge  waves,  was  a  sight,  that,  once  seen,  could  never  be  forgotten. 
But  on  we  went,  now  plunging  down  the  side  of  a  big  sea,  again  lurching 
heavily,  filling  the  deck  with  water,  which,  as  the  vessel  straightened  up 
again,  went  dashing  over  to  the  weather-side,  often  out  over  the  rail,  and 
through  the  binnacle  into  the  cabin. 

The  remark  of  one  of  our  boys,  that  "  any  one  who  can't  swim  had  better 
take  a  back  seat,"  was  certainly  very  apt,  but  the  gravity  of  the  situation,  and 
the  damage  incident  to  running  in  such  a  gale,  with  the  sea  on  the  quarter, 
was  better  expressed  by  the  order  frequently  shouted  to  the  man  at  the 
wheel,  "Watch  her  sharp  now!  Keep  your  eye  to  wind'ard,  and  if  you  see 
a  fo^one*  coming  swing  her  off  and  let  her  take  it  stern  to." 

During  the  afternoon  there  was  a  dangerous  and  nasty  cross  sea  running, 
rendering  it  extremely  unsafe  to  continue  on  our  course  during  the  night. 
We  therefore  took  in  the  jib  and  furled  it  before  dark,  and  at  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 
hove  to  under  double-reefed  foresail  and  riding-sail.  At  7  P.  M.  the  gale 
still  continues  with  undiminished  force,  but,  like  a  gull  with  its  head  under 
its  wing,  our  litle  "sea-boat"  rises  and  falls,  safely  breasting  the  foam-crested 
waves  that  go  seething  by,  leaving  behind  them  a  phosphorescent  track, 
which  lights  up  the  surrounding  darkness,  giving  it  a  peculiarly  weird  and 
strange  appearance.  Thus  closes  this  day,  the  events  of  which  I  now  sit 
down  to  write  before  turning  in  for  the  night. 

WASHED  OUT  OF  A  DORY— A  TERRIBLE  STRUGGLE 
FOR  LIFE. 

On  a  breezy  day  in  November,  1880,  the  crew  of  the  sch.  Grace  L.  Fears, 
— a  fresh  halibut  catcher  which  lay  at  anchor  in  the  "Deep  Water" — started 
out  to  haul  their  trawls.  Although  it  was  rough,  the  waves  frequently  break- 
ing, and  the  wind  blew  in  gusty  puffs,  it  was  not  considered  exceptionally 
dangerous  to  venture  out  by  the  fishermen,  since  the  tide,  which  ran  quite 
strong  to  windward,  would  materially  assist  them  in  again  reaching  the 
vessel. 

In  one  of  the  dories  were  William  T.  Lee  and  Jack  Devine.  When  these 
two  had  safely  hauled   the  larger  part  of  their  trawl,  and  the  boat,  which 

*A  large  breaking  wave. 


26  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

had  on  board  several  halibut,  lay  hawsed  up  in  such  a  manner  that  her  side 
was  somewhat  exposed  to  the  sea,  a  huge  curling  wave  came  tearing  along, 
striking  with  full  force  both  men  and  dory,  the  former  being  thrown  over- 
board, and  the  latter  nearly  filled  with  water.  Devine  went  over  the  side, 
but,  fortunately  for  him,  was  near  enough  to  grasp  the  gunwale  of  the  boat 
and  climb  into  her.  With  Lee,  however,  the  case  was  quite  different.  The 
sea  broke  over  the  dory  with  such  violence  as  to  throw  him  a  distance  of  a 
dozen  or  fifteen  feet  from  her.  He  was  so  much  encumbered  with  heavy 
clothing  and  sea-boots  that  he  could  not  prevent  himself  from  sinking.  In 
the  meantime  his  dory-mate  fastened  the  trawl  to  the  bow  of  the  boat  so  as 
to  keep  her  as  nearly  head  to  the  sea  as  possible,  and,  frightened  for  his  own 
safety,  made  desperate  efforts  to  bail  out  the  nearly  filled  dory.  As  good 
fortune  would  have  it,  however,  the  slacking  of  the  trawl  allowed  the  dory 
to  drop  slowly  to  leeward,  and  the  tide  also  swept  the  struggling  man  slowly 
to  windward,  who,  as  he  sank  for  the  second,  and,  as  he  thought,  last  time, 
felt  his  hand  come  in  contact  with  the  trawl  about  two  or  three  fathoms 
under  water.  It  is  said  that  a  drowning  man  will  clutch  at  a  straw,  and  it 
requires  no  great  stretch  of  imagination  to  understand  how  eagerly  this  stout 
line  was  grasped  by  the  sinking  fisherman.  Though  quite  exhausted  by  his 
efforts,  he  still  retained  his  wits  and  his  indomitable  courage,  and  at  once 
began  to  haul  himself  toward  the  dory,  hand  over  hand,  along  the  line. 
Almost  as  soon  as  he  began  this  process,  one  of  the  stout  hooks  caught  in  his 
forefinger  and-  passed  completely  through  it  near  the  end.  To  an  ordinary 
person  this  would  have  been  certain  death  under  such  circumstances,  but, 
determined  not  to  give  up  while  life  lasted,  he  reached  the  other  hand  as  far 
up  on  the  trawl  as  he  could,  and,  with  a  desperate  pull,  tore  the  hook  com- 
pletely through  or  out  of  his  finger  end,  making  an  ugly  wound.*  He  was 
now  able  to  proceed,  but,  just  as  he  got  his  head  above  water  and  caught 
his  breath,  just  at  the  very  last  instant  of  endurance,  with  his  hand  clutching 
the  gunwale  of  the  boat,  a  second  hook  caught  in  the  leg  of  his  trousers. 
Though  he  shouted  to  his  companion,  the  man  rendered  no  assistance,  fear- 
ing that,  should  he  move  to  the  side,  the  water-logged  dory  would  upset. 
Lee  mustered  all  of  his  fast  ebbing  energies  and,  by  one  last  and  mighty 
effort,  pulled  himself  over  the  side  of  the  boat,  and  fell  senseless  to  the 
bottom.  All  of  this,  though  long  in  the  telling,  occupied  a  very  short  time, 
but  the  seconds  were  eventful  ones  ;  and  perhaps  no  better  voucher  for  the 
invincible  pluck  of  our  fishermen  could  be  given  than  by  the  statement  of 
the  single  fact  that,  after  recovering  somewhat  from  his  exhaustion,  unmind- 
ful of  his  torn  and  bleeding  finger  as  well  as  of  the  breaking  waves  sweeping 


*The  mutilated  finger  was  seen  by  the  writer  while  yet  it  remained  unhealed,  and  its  tDrn 
and  mangled  appearance  gave  ample  proof  of  the  desperate  nature  of  the  struggle  in  which 
the  wound  had  been  received. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


27 


by,  Lee  would  not  return  to  the  vessel  until  he  had  finished  hauling  the 
trawl,  thus  accomplishing  the  task  he  started  out  to  do. 

The  above  is  one  of  the  many  instances  that  might  be  mentioned  to  show 
that  some  men  seem  endowed  with  a  luck  all  their  own  in  escaping  from 
perilous  positions  when  their  companions,  apparently  in  no  worse  a  scrape, 
have  lost  their  lives.  This  is  largely  due,  to  be  sure,  to  their  indomitable  * 
pluck  and  perseverance  in  efforts  to  save  their  lives  so  long  as  a  breath 
remains,  and  a  presence  of  mind  that  enables  them  to  make  the  most  of  any 
fortunate  circumstance. 

LOSS  OF  THE  FOREST  BELLE. 

The  schooner  Forest  Belle  was  lost  on  her  first  trip  to  the  Grand  Bank  in 
the  latter  part  of  1868,  and  was  supposed  to  have  foundered  in  a  furious 
tornado  that  swept  the  western  Atlantic  in  December  of  that  year.  She  was 
commanded  by  Capt.  Moses  M.  Welch,  a  young  man  of  great  promise,  who 
was  so  much  esteemed  by  those  of  his  own  profession  that  several  of  his 
crew  were  skippers,  who,  having  hauled  up  their  own  vessels,  chose  to  make 
this  trip  to  the  Bank  with  him.  In  every  sense  the  crew  was  an  excellent 
one,  and  the  vessel  was  considered  one  of  the  finest  that  ever  sailed  from 
Gloucester.  The  following  comprised  the  crew  :  Robert  M.  Collins,  Daniel 
Luf  kin,  Randall  McLellan,  Arthur  Ulmer,  Sylvanus  Gott,  Geo.  Bartlett,  Geo. 
Kane,  John  A.  Kelly,  James  McDonald,  Wm.  Hickman  and  Wm.  B.  Rowe. 


Come,  all  you  hardy  fishermen, 

Who  winter  fishing  go ; 
Who  face  those  northern  wintry  blasts — 

Fierce  storms  of  hail  and  snow — 
Pause  here  awhile  and  listen, 

While  a  dreadful  tale  I  tell 
Of  a  winter  gale  and  the  sad,  sad  loss 

Of  the  schooner  Forest  Belle. 

A  finer  vessel  ne'er  was  launched, 

Or  o'er  the  wild  waves  flew ; 
And  braver  hearts  were  never  known 

Than  those  of  her  hardy  crew. 
Twelve  sturdy  men  in  prime  of  life, 

Daring  winter  gale  and  storm, 
Left  tender  wives  and  mothers  dear 

To  watch  for  their  return. 

'Twas  in  the  Fall  of  sixty-eight, 

November,  the  nineteenth  day, 
These  fearless  men,  with  a  nor'west  gale, 

From  Cape  Ann  bore  away : 
Bound  away  unto  the  Grand  Bank, 

O'er  the  white-capped  waves  they  fly ; 
Ah !  little  dreamed  those  seaman  bold 

That  so  soon  they  all  must  die. 


With  tender  words  and  fond  caress 

They  parted  from  those  dear. 
"  Cheer  up,"  said  they,  "  we'll  soon  be  back, 

If  God  our  lives  doth  spare." 
With  aching  hearts  wives,  mothers,  weep — 

For  none  can  tell  the  tale 
Of  fhe  Belle's  sad  fate,  but  all  suppose 

She  foundered  in  a  gale. 

What  those  daring  men  did  suffer 

No  one  will  ever  know, 
Upon  that  wild  and  wintry  sea, 

When  howling  winds  did  blow. 
The  raging  waves  engulfed  their  bark — 

No  hand  was  there  to  save 
That  little  band  of  gallant  men 

From  a  cold  and  watery  grave. 

God  bless  the  mourning  friends  they've  left, 

And  comfort  those  who  weep 
For  husbands,  sons  and  brothers  dear, 

Now  buried  in  the  deep. 
Though  parted  from  their  loved  ones  here, 

There  is  a  brighter  shore, 
Where  they  may  meet  them  once  again  • 

There  partings  are  no  more 


28  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Notable  Fishing  Fares. 


There  is  considerable  rivalry  among  the  Cape  Ann  skippers  in  the  matter 
of  bringing  in  large  fares,  and  this  friendly  competition  not  only  develops 
the  .skill  and  daring  of  the  fishermen,  but  keeps  them  ever  on  the  alert  to 
try  experiments  and  to  discover  new  methods  of  catching  fish  and  new  fish- 
ing grounds,  thus  bringing  into  play  those  faculties  which  tend  to  promote 
the  fishing  interests  and  add  to  their  productiveness.  We  have  kept  a  rec- 
ord of  many  of  these  big  trips,  and  take  much  pleasure  in  publishing  them 
in  the  pages  of  the  "Fishermen's  Own  Book." 

BANK  TRIPS. 

The  best  codfish  fare  ever  landed  at  this  port  was  in  October,  1880,  when 
the  Br.  sch.  Kelso,  Capt.  Benjamin  Hines,  arrived  here  from  Grand  Bank 
with  220,000  lbs.  large  codfish,  90,000  to  100,000  lbs.  medium  and  small 
do.,  and  1600  lbs.  Retched  halibut.  The  next  best  Bank  fare  was  300,000 
lbs.  codfish,  in  round  numbers,  landed  in  1878  by  sch.  Herman  Babson,  Capt- 
Charles  J.  Lawson,  which  schooner  also  landed  195,000  lbs.  on  one  trip  in 
1880.  The  five  best  Bank  fares  ever  landed  by  a  single  vessel  were  received 
in  the  sch.  Grand  Master,  Capt.  Byron  Hines,  of  Pubnico,  N.  S.,  sailing 
from  this  port :  in  1875  she  landed  a  fare  of  240,000  lbs.;  in  1877,  one  of 
270,770  lbs.,  stocking  $6,580;  in  1878,  one  of  250,000  lbs. ;  in  1880,  one  of 
250,000  lbs.;  and  in  1881,  one  of  275,000  lbs.  Among  other  good-  codfish 
fares  we  notice  those  of  the  Centennial,  250,000  lbs.  in  1878,  and  250,000 
lbs.  in  188 1.  Among  other  good  fares  in  the  last  named  year  the  Webster 
Sanborn  hailed  for  250,000  lbs.,  the  New  England  for  225,000  lbs.,  the  Ski- 
loh  of  this  port,  Hattie  L.  Newman  of  Beverly,  and  Water  Lily  of  Yarmouth, 
N.  S.,  each  200,000  lbs.  ;  the  Davy  Crockett,  from  a  hand  line  trip  to  Western 
Bank,  for  210,000  lbs.,  and  the  Thresher  for  190,000  lbs.  codfish  and  10,000 
lbs.  halibut.  For  the  week  ending  Sept.  8  six  Grand  Bank  fares  were 
received,  aggregating  1,115,000  lbs.  codfish,  including  two  fares  of  250,000 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  29 

and  one  of  225,000  lbs.;  from  March  8  to  October  15  the  Josie M.  Calder- 
wood  made  five  trips  to  the  Western  and  Grand  Banks  and  Banquereau, 
taking  in  round  numbers  400,000  lbs.  codfish  and  55,000  lbs.  halibut,  stock- 
ing $10,475,  believed  to  be  the  best  season's  work  in  the  Bank  codfishery. 
The  largest  amount  of  Bank  codfish  ever  landed  at  Gloucester  in  a  single 
week  was  3,620,000  lbs.,  twenty-five  fares,  for  the  week  ending  July  27,  1876, 
the  total  codfish  receipts  for  that  week  being  4,448,000  lbs.;  for  the  week 
ending  Sept.  16,  1880,  fifteen  fares  of  2,057,000  Bank  codfish  were  landed 
at  Gloucester,  and  for  the  week  ending  Sept.  13,  1877,  2,000,000  lbs.  Sch. 
Plymouth  Rock  took  225,000  lbs.  on  one  Bank  trip  in  1878.  On  a  five 
months'  trip  in  1873  sch.  Carrie  P.  Mortofi,  Capt.  Charles  A.  Keene,  took 
192,000  lbs.  codfish  and  28,050  lbs.  halibut,  stocking  $7,888,  the  crew  shar- 
ing $326.16,  the  best  stock  on  one  trip  in  this  fishery  of  which  we  have  any 
record.  Sch.  Knight  Templar,  Capt.  Michael  McDonald,  stocked  $7,681.25 
on  one  trip  in  1873,  being  absent  only  two  and  one-half  months.  In  1877 
sch.  Concord,  Capt.  John  Dago,  landed  185,000  lbs.  codfish  and  57,000  lbs. 
halibut,  from  a  Western  Bank  trip,  stocking  $7,100  in  four  months  and  two 
days.  Sch.  Ben:  Perley  Poore,  Capt.  Charles  H.  Nute,  landed  180,695  ^s- 
codfish  and  10,597  lbs.  halibut  from  a  fourteen  weeks'  trip  in  1872,  stocking 
$6,345.69,  the  crew  sharing  $257.29.  In  1879  the  Corinna  H.  Bishop  arrived 
home  in  August  from  a  seventeen  weeks'  Bank  trip,  with  186,780  lbs.  large 
codfish,  2,315  lbs.  small  do.,  and  1,214  lbs.  fletched  halibut,  having  sold 
14,000  lbs.  in  Newfoundland,  giving  her  a  catch  of  204,309  lbs.  fish. 

FLETCHED  HALIBUT. 

The  largest  Bank  fare  of  fletched  halibut  ever  landed  at  Gloucester  was 
153,044  lbs.  in  sch.  Reunion,  Capt.  Belcher  Torrey,  in  1868.  She  had  also 
23,875  lbs.  codfish,  and  stocked  on  a  twelve  weeks'  trip  $8,354  (the  best 
Bank  stock  on  one  trip  yet  reported),  the  crew  sharing  $286.63. 

FRESH  HALIBUT. 

The  largest  fare  of  fresh  halibut  ever  landed  at  Gloucester  was  140,000 
lbs.,  by  sch.  G.  P.  Whitman,  Capt.  Jerome  McDonald,  from  a  Bank  trip  in 
1877.  The  next  largest  fare  was  landed  by  sch.  Centennial,  Capt.  Dennis 
C.  Murphy,  from  a  three  weeks'  trip  in  1876,  landing  129,577  lbs.  and  5,000 
lbs.  codfish;  on  her  first  ten  trips  the  Centennial  took  1,160,000  lbs.  halibut. 
In  1875  sch.  Chester  R.  Lawrence,  Capt.  Thomas  Hodgdon,  took  on  one  trip 
126,566  lbs.  halibut  and  5,480  lbs.  codfish.  The  next  year  sch.  Davy 
Crockett  took  103,000  lbs.  on  her  first  trip,  which  sold  at  6  and  3  cts.  per  lb. 
for  white  and  gray.  Sch.  William  T.  Mei-chant  took  103,450  lbs.  in  twenty- 
five  days,  in  1868.     The  best  fare  landed  in  188 1  was  brought  in  by  the 


3o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

sch.  Plymouth  Rock;  she  weighed  off  96,539  lbs.  halibut  and  1,500  lbs.  cod- 
fish, having  a  sufficient  quantity  of  unsaleable  halibut  to  bring  her  catch  up 
to  100,000  lbs. ;  her  stock  was  $2,550,  the  crew  sharing  $85,  on  a  voyage 
occupying  four  weeks  and  two  days.  Among  the  receipts  in  one  week  in 
1876  were  114,540  lbs.  in  sch.  Carrie  P.  Morton,  99,980  in  sch.  Davy  Crock- 
ett, 95,000  lbs.  in  sch.  Edwin  C.  Dolliver,  and  two  other  vessels  had  upwards 
of  70,000  lbs.  each  the  same  week.  The  largest  amount  of  halibut  ever 
received  in  Gloucester  in  a  single  week  was  for  the  week  ending  Feb.  10, 
1881,  when  the  receipts  were  740,000  lbs.  from  the  Banks  and  122,509  lbs. 
from  Georges,  862,500  lbs. 

The  best  stock  on  a  single  trip  in  the  Bank  halibut  fishery  was  made  by 
sch.  N.  H.  Phillips,  Capt.  William  McDonald,  in  187 1.  She  landed  47,650 
lbs.  halibut  and  9,390  lbs.  codfish,  stocking  in  five  weeks  $5,361.  Ii  two 
successive  trips  that  season  she  stocked  $9,142,  the  crew  sharing  $353.42 
for  nine  weeks'  fishing.  The  same  year  sch.  Mary  Carlisle,  Capt.  William 
Thompson,  stocked  $4,738.75  on  one  trip,  the  crew  sharing  $236.25.  In 
1879  sch.  Thresher  stocked  $4,464.82  on  one  trip.  Sch.  Sarah  P.  Ayer 
stocked  $4,251  on  a  trip  in  1869.  In  1868  sch.  Aphrodite,  Capt.  Randall 
McDonald,  stocked  $4,246.37,  and  the  previous  year  the  same  vessel  stocked 
$4,126  on  one  trip;  sch.  William  T.  Merchant,  Capt.  Nelson  McKenney 
stocked  $4,200  on  a  twenty-six  days'  trip  in  1868.  Sch.  C.  B.  Manning 
Capt.  Charles  H.  Nute,  stocked  $4,033  on  a  halibut  trip  in  1869.  In  1880 
the  best  stock  was  made  by  sch.  Willie  M.  Stevens,  her  catch  of  81,000  lbs- 
selling  for  $3,870;  time  about  three  weeks.  The  best  stock  in  1881  was 
made  by  the  Grace  L.  Fears,  75,000  lbs.,  $3,553,  crew  sharing  $121.79.  On 
one  trip  in  1876  sch.  Epes  Tarr  was  absent  three  weeks,  and  took  in  four 
days'  fishing  54,500  lbs.  white  and  24,44210s.  gray  halibut,  whic'i  sjld  for 
$3,165,  the  crew  sharing  $120. 

The  best  season's  stock  in  this  fishery  was  made  by  sch.  Gertie  E.  Foster, 
Capt.  Edward  Morris,  in  1875.  ^n  eleven  months  she  landed  668,517  lbs. 
halibut  and  19,220  lbs.  codfish,  stocking  $26,071.56.  The  next  best  stock 
was  that  of  sch.  Willie  M.  Stevens,  Capt.  John  Mclnnis,  in  1880 ;  from 
Dec.  24,  1879,  to  Dec.  15,  1880,  her  gross  stock  was  $22,107.35,  and  her  net 
stock  $20,959.06,  the  crew  sharing  $706.06.  The  best  season's  stock  in 
this  fishery  in  1881  was  made  by  Capt.  Nathaniel  Greenleaf  in  sch.  Grace 
L.  Fears,  $20,385  net.  Sch.  Racer,  Capt.  Walter  M.  Fait,  stocked  $22,000 
in  1866  ;  Capt.  William  Thompson  was  high  line  of  the  crew,  making  $1,300. 
In  187 1  Capt.  Thompson  made  nine  trips  in  sch.  Mary  Carlisle,  stocking 
$17,275.53,  her  crew  sharing  $858.62.  In  1869,  '70,  '71,  Capt.  Thompson 
stocked  $46,871.     In  1873,  '74,  '75,  Capt,  Edward  Morris  stocked  $64,769.78. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  31 

GEORGE'S  FARES.     • 

The  largest  codfish  fare  ever  received  from  Georges  was  123,115  lbs., 
round,  with  862  lbs.  halibut,  by  sen.  *S.  R.  Lane,  Capt.  Solomon  Jacobs,  in 
1875;  tne  Lane  stocked  $2,554  on  this  trip,  her  crew  sharing  $90.81,  and 
the  cook  making  $156.62.  In  188 1  the  sch.  Triton,  Capt.  Edward  Groves, 
weighed  off  from  one  George's  trip  54,000  split  codfish,  30,000  lbs.  round 
do.,  (equal  to  about  111,000  lbs.  round),  and  3,000  lbs.  halibut.*  In  1875 
sch.  Carl  Schurz,  Capt.  Neil  S.  McPhee,  landed  a  Georges  fare  of  107,200 
lbs.  codfish  and  3,800  lbs.  halibut,  stocking  $2,580;  crew  shared  $105.04 
cook  made  $143.95.  Sch.  Everett  Steele,  Capt.  Joseph  Goslin,  weighed  off 
102,075  lbs.  on  one  trip  in  1869.  In  1868  sch.  William  J.  Dale,  Capt. 
David  A.  Osier,  landed  a  fare  of  100,575  lbs.  On  a  fourteen  days'  trip  in 
1867  sch.  Montana  took  100,162  lbs.,. and  in  two  successive  trips  that  year 
landed  183,362  lbs.,  making  a  gross  stock  of  $3,417.32.  In  1866  the  Mad- 
ame  Roland  had  a  fare  of  99,338  lbs.  In  1877  the  Riverdale  took  93,378 
lbs.,  and  the  William  J.  Dale  91,500  lbs.,  each  on  one  trip;  the  Hattie  S. 
Clark,  Capt.  Hiltz,  took  172,500  lbs.  on  two  trips  in  three  weeks.  In  1879 
the  Sarah  P.  Ayer  had  a  trip  of  60,000  lbs.  split  codfish.  The  best  fare  in 
1880  was  66,000  lbs.  split  codfish  and  1,500  lbs.  halibut,  in  sch.  Hyperion, 
and  the  next  best  fare  65,000  lbs.  split  codfish  and  2,000  lbs.  halibut  in 
sch.  David  M.  Hilton.  On  five  Georges  trips  in  the  Spring  and  Summer  of 
188 1,  sch.  Procter. Brothers  took  21,544  codfish  in  number,  weighing  171,000 
lbs.  Of  her  crew  of  eleven  men  Mr.  George  Williamson  was  high  line, 
taking  2,417  fish,  while  the  low  line  caught  1,431. 

The  best  stock  on  a  single  Georges  trip  was  $2,833.29,  by  sch.  Madame 
Roland,  Capt.  James  Lunderkin,  in  1865  ;  in  two  trips  that  year  she  stocked 
$5,050.75.  Sch.  Everett  Steele,  Capt.  Cash,  stocked  $2,824.55  m  J865, 
$2,760.69  in  1869,  and  $2,738.95  in  1866,  on  single  trips.  In  1865  scn- 
Laughing  Water,  Capt.  Joseph  Goslin,  on  eleven  Georges  trips  stocked 
$14,843.84,  and  afterwards  going  to  the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  for  mackerel, 
stocked  $3,110.46,  making  her  season's  stock  $17,954.30;  the  high  line 
made  $1,105.37,  and  her  cook  $1,402.93. 

GREENLAND  TRIPS. 

The  largest  fare  of  fletched  halibut  ever  landed  at  this  port  was  179,575 
lbs.,  by  sch.  Bunker  Hill,  Capt.  John  McDonald,  from  a  Greenland  voyage 
in  1 88 1,  stocking  $9,000.  The  same  year  sch.  Herman  Babson,  Capt.  Charles 
J.  Lawson,  took  178,000  lbs.  fletched  halibut,  and  a  quantity  of  other  fish,  on 
the  coast  of   Greenland,  stocking  $11,734.60  on  a  four  months'  trip;  the 

*In  1879  the  Triton  had  a  trip  of  69,012  lbs.  split  codfish  and  1,100  lbs.  halibut. 


32  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

crew  shared  $400.71  each,  and  the  skipper's  share  and  commission  amounted 
to  $872.07.  In  1870  sch.  Caleb  Eaton,  Capt.  John  S.  McQuinn,  landed 
177,300  lbs.  fletched  halibut,  and  a  quantity  of  salmon  and  fins,  from  a  four 
months'  Greenland  trip,  stocking  about  $20,000. 

HIGH  PRICES  FOR  HALIBUT. 

In  the  Fall  of  1865  Capt.  L.  A.  Story,  now  of  Magnolia,  caught  from  a  dory 
while  engaged  in  hand-line  fishing  in  Boston  Bay,  a  halibut  weighing  194 
lbs.,  which  was  sold  to  Messrs.  Parsons  &  Co.  of  Commercial  Wharf,  Bos- 
ton, at  28  cents  per  pound,  making  the  total  price  $54.32.  The  largest 
price  ever  received  for  a  fare  lot  was  21  cts.  per  lb.  for  white  and  14  cts.  for 
gray,  for  9,000  lbs.  brought  in  by  sch.  T.  L.  Mayo.  In  January,  1881, 
halibut  sold  at  16  and  12  cts.  per  lb.  for  white  and  gray. 

QUICK  BANK  AND  GEORGES  TRIPS. 

Sch.  Cunard,  Capt.  Garrett  Galvin,  made  a  salt  trip  to  the  Banks  in  7^ 
weeks  in  1878;  sch.  Carrie  P.  Morton,  Capt.  Charles  A.  Keene,  in  2^ 
months  in  1873  ;  sch.  Ben:  Perley  Poore,  Capt.  Charles  H.  Nute,  in  14  weeks 
in  1872  ;  sch.  Reunion,  Capt.  Belcher  Torrey,  a  fletched  halibut  trip  to  the 
Banks  in  12  weeks  in  1868.  In  1877  sch.  Augusta  H.Johnson,  Capt.  George 
A.  Johnson,  made  a  fresh  halibut  trip  to  Western  Bank  in  13  days,  and  the 
same  year  sch.  Edward  Grover  made  three  such  trips  inside  of  14  days  each 
and  another  in  16  days.  In  188 1  sch.  Grace  L.  Fears,  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Greenleaf,  made  a  Grand  Bank  trip  for  halibut  in  14  days,  6  hours,  securing 
40,000  lbs.  halibut,  the  crew  sharing  $91.50.  The  same  year  sch.  G.  P. 
Whitman,  Capt.  Jerome  McDonald,  made  a  Grand  Bank  trip  in  16  days, 
taking  61,580  lbs.  halibut;  on  four  trips  that  year  the  Whitman  averaged 
4  weeks  each,  the  crew  averaging  $80  each  per  trip.  The  Nathaniel  Webster 
also  made  a  Bank  halibut  trip  in  16  days  in  1881  ;  the  David  A.  Story,  Capt. 
Joseph  Ryan,  one  in  18  days,  stocking  $3,021,  crew  sharing  $103.62  ;  sch. 
H  A.  Duncan,  in  17  days,  took  80,000  lbs.  codfish.  Sch.  Franklin  Snow, 
Capt.  McDonald,  stocked  $2,385.47  on  an  18  days'  trip  to  Western  Bank  in 
1868,  and  sch.  Aphrodite,  Capt.  McDonald,  stocked  $4,126  on  a  20  days'  trip 
in  1867,  the  crew  sharing  $171.51.  In  1880  sch.  Alice  M.  Williams,  Capt. 
Dennis  C.  Murphy,  made  a  Banquereau  trip  in  16  days,  returning  with  38,000 
lbs.  halibut.  Sch.  Willie  Seavy,  Capt.  Robert  White,  of  Newcastle,  N.  H., 
with  a  crew  of  eight  men,  sailed  on  a  Western  Bank  trip  April  16,  1881,  and 
arrived  at  Portland  May  18,  with  a  fare  of  450  qtls.  prime  codfish,  the  result 
of  21  days'  fishing.  In  1867  sch.  Hattie  S.  Clark,  Capt.  Hiltz,  took  90,000 
lbs.  codfish  in  a  week's  trip  to  Georges,  and  made  two  trips  inside  of  2 1 
days,  landing  172,500  lbs.  cod.     In  November,  1881,  sch.  Alice  M.  Gould, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


33 


of  Portland,  made  a  La  Have  Bank  trip  in  5  days,  securing  45,000  lbs.  fish, 
which  sold  for  $1,200,  the  crew  sharing  $80  each,  or  $15  per  day.* 

Long  Trip. — Sch.  Commonwealth  arrived  home  from  a  Bank  halibut  trip 
in  April,  1881,  having  been  absent  7^  weeks.  She  was  16  days  on  the 
passage  home. 

SHORE  FISHING. 

The  largest  haddock  fare  ever  caught  by  a  Gloucester  vessel  was  landed 
at  Boston  in  February,  1880,  by  sch.  Martha  C,  Capt.  Charles  Martin.  She 
weighed  off  72,000  lbs.,  which  sold  at  $2.50  per  100  lbs.,  stocking  $1,803, 
the  result  of  two  days'  fishing  on  a  seven  days'  trip.  The  expenses  of  the 
trip  were  $137,  and  the  crew  of  fourteen  men  shared  $86  each.  In  1881 
the  same  vessel  and  skipper  had  a  very  successful  season  ;  on  a  January  trip 
she  landed  70,000  lbs.  fish,  about  two-thirds  haddock  and  one-third  cod ;  on 
a  February  trip  to  La  Have  Bank  she  took  63,000  lbs.  haddock  and  20,250 
lbs.  codfish,  stocking  $1,742.50,  the  crew  sharing  $84.38;  in  March  she 
stocked  $1,784  on  one  trip,  the  crew  sharing  $94;  in  April  she  struck 
a  good  school  of  fish  on  the  western  edge  of  Western  Bank,  and  in  two 
days'  fishing  took  80,000  lbs.  codfish  and  12,000  lbs.  haddock,  the  largest 
"shore"  fare  yet  reported  by  a  Gloucester  vessel.  Up  to  the  first  of  May, 
1881,  the  Martha  C.  landed  about  550,000  fresh  fish,  stocking  more  than 
$11,000,  the  largest  stock  for  the  time  employed  ever  made  in  the  shore 
fishery. 

The  largest  haddock  fare  ever  landed  at  Gloucester  was  70,380  lbs.,  taken 
on  Georges  in  1878  by  sch.  E.  L.  Rowe,  Capt.  Sewall  W.  Smith,  on  a  five 
days'  trip. 

The  largest  haddock  fare  ever  taken  in  one  day's  fishing  was  51,700  lbs., 
with  2,500  lbs.  codfish,  taken  in  1877  by  sch.  Paul  Revere,  Capt.  John 
Bentley,  who  stocked  $10,036.83  from  Oct.  6,  1876,  to  May  11,  1877.  On 
one  trip  to  Georges  in  1877  sch.  Cora  E.  Smith,  Capt.  Sewall  Smith,  took 
52,679  lbs.  haddock  ;  in  three  trips  she  landed  124,375  *DS-  5  during  February 
and  March  she  landed  203,095  lbs.,  and  stocked  $4,500.  In  188 1  sch.  Edith 
M.  Pew,  Capt.  William  Corliss,  landed  60,000  lbs.  haddock  on  one  trip  ;  in 
two  trips,  occupying  three  weeks,  the  crew  shared  $100  each.  Sch.  David 
J.  Adams,  Capt.  Richard  Murphy,  stocked  $2,117  on  a  ten  davs'  triP>  tne 
crew  sharing  $107.  In  three  weeks  sch.  Charles  S.  Tappan,  Capt.  John 
Bentley,  stocked  $3,200.  Sch.  Aberdeen  landed  50,000  lbs.,  sch.  Anable 
50,000  lbs.,  and  sch.  Paul  Revere  40,000,  each  on  one  trip.  In  1879  sch. 
Alice  M.  Hawkes,  of  Swampscott,  took  49,000  lbs.  codfish  in  one  day,  and 
sch.  George  A.  Upton  took  40,000  lbs.  on  one  trip.     For  the  year  ending 

*In  Novembpr,  1881,  sch.  Emma  S.  Osier  made  two  pollocking  trips  inside  of  5  days, 
landing  53,000  lbs.  pollock. 


34  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Feb.  4,  1881,  sch.  Mystic,  Capt.  John  McKennon,  stocked  $19,770  shore 
trawling,  the  crew  sharing  $785.12  each.  In  five  months  in  1872-3  sch. 
Eastern  Queen,  Capt.  William  Corliss,  stocked  $10,250  net  in  the  haddock 
fishery,  her  crew  sharing  $560.  The  same  season  sch.  Jennie  B.  Thomas, 
Capt.  Henry  Thomas,  stocked  $8,000  in  five  and  a  half  months.  In  1870-1, 
sch.  Angie  S.  Friend,  Capt.  McClain,  stocked  $7,700  in  five  months,  and 
sch.  Maud  Muller,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Smith,  $6,600  in  four  months.  Sch. 
George  H.  Hagnet,  32  tons,  of  Harpswell,  Me.,  stocked  $5,500  in  five 
months'  shore  fishing  in  1881. 

MACKEREL  FARES. 

Sch.  Edward  E.  Webster,  Capt.  Solomon  Jacobs,  stocked  $24,146  in  the 
Summer  and  Fall  of  1881  in  the  mackerel  fishery.  In  the  Summer  and  Fall 
of  1880  Capt.  Jacobs  in  the  Webster,  disposed  of  1,300  bbls.  mackerel  fresh, 
and  2,600  bbls.  pickled,  stocking  $19,745.76  gross.  The  same  season  sch. 
Alice,  of  Swan's  Island,  Me.,  took  3,700  bbls.,  of  which  900  bbls.  were 
disposed  of  fresh,  stocking  $19,548.75. 

The  season  of  1881  was  a  very  favorable  one  for  the  mackerel  catchers. 
Sch.  Lizzie  D.  Saunders,  Capt.  Alfred  Saunders,  of  Pigeon  Cove,  stocked 
$1,700  in  two  weeks,  the  crew  sharing  $73  ;  sch.  Ivanhoe  made  eleven  trips 
for  fresh  mackerel  in  seventeen  days,  being  two  or  three  days  in  port ;  sch. 
Wildfire,  Capt.  George  M.  McClain,  took  1,309  sea-packed  barrels  in  six 
weeks;  sch.  Northern  Eagle,  Capt.  George  H.  Martin,  stocked  $1,852.50  in 
five  days ;  sch.  Isaac  Rich,  of  Swan's  Island,  Me.,  took  2,000  bbls.  up  to  the 
middle  of  July;  sch.  Frank  Butler,  of  New  London,  Conn.,  caught  762  bbls. 
in  three  weeks;  sch.  David  A.  Osier  160  bbls.  in  forty-seven  hours;  sch. 
Col.  J.  H.  French  500  bbls.  in  eight  days,  and  sch.  Piscataqua  400  bbls.  in 
four  days  ;  sch.  Dreadnaught,  of  Portland,  Me.,  205  bbls.  in  twenty-one 
hours;  sch.  Fleeiwing  210  bbls.  at  one  haul;  sch.  Madawaska  Maid  225 
bbls.  in  one  day,  and  1,000  bbls.  in  five  weeks;  sch.  William M.  Gaffney 
900  bbls.  in  twenty-one  days  ;  sch.  Alice,  of  Swan's  Island,  Me.,  4,804  bbls. 
to  Oct.  21.  Sch.  Wildfire  stocked  $3,200  in  two  weeks.  From  April  20  to 
July  26  sch.  S.  R.  Lane  landed  2,400  bbls. ;  for  the  twenty  months  ending 
Aug.  1,  188 1,  this  vessel  stocked  $25,000  fishing.  In  October,  1876,  sch. 
Mary  Odcll,  Capt.  McLain,  made  one  haul  in  Barnstable  Bay  of  more  than 
the  crew  could  take  care  of;  she  took  300  bbls.,  gave  away  no  and  lost 
several  hundred  through  a  hole  in  the  seine.  The  Mary  Odell  had  a  crew 
of  12  men,  and  up  to  Sept.  22  stocked  $11,000,  the  crew  sharing  $436.96; 
the  next  week  she  landed  two  good  fares,  and  the  week  following  two  more, 
at  Boston.  In  1877  sch.  James  A.  Stetson  took  at  one  haul,  off  Block  Island, 
140  bbls.  large  fat  mackerel,  which  sold  at  $20  per  bbl. ;  Sch.  Moses  Adams, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  35 

Capt.  Solomon  Jacobs,  stocked  over  $2,400  in  three  short  trips  in  one 
week,  in  October,  1878;  in  1876  sch.  Herbert  M.  Rogers,  Capt.  Richard 
Warren,  took  at  one  haul,  off  Block  Island,  165  bbls.  fat  mackerel,  which 
sold  at  $25  per  bbl.,  stocking  $4,125  ;  sch.  Gen.  Grant,  Capt.  Coas,  stocked 
$11,254.94  net  on  two  Bay  trips  in  1864;  sch.  Nor'  Wester,  Capt.  Daniel 
Hillier,  stocked  $9,721.74  on  one  Bay  trip  in  1864.  In  three  months  of  the 
same  year  sch.  Gen.  Sherman,  Capt.  George  W.  Miner,  took  612  bbls.,  and 
stocked  $9,696;  sch.  John  Bright,  Capt.  Aaron  Riggs,  took  639)^  bbls.,  and 
stocked  $10,711.21  gross  ($9,518.34  net),  on  one  Bay  trip  in  1866 ;  the  high 
line  made  $288.73,  low  line  $106.06,  cook  $382.78  j  she  went  through  Canso 
after  Aug.  1,  and  packed  out  Nov.  15. 

The  earliest  receipt  of  new  mackerel  was  in  188 1,  when  the  sch.  Edward 
E.  Webster,  Capt.  Solomon  Jacobs,  sailed  from  Gloucester  March  15,  and 
arrived  at  New  York  March  23,  with  140  bbls.,  which  sold  for  $3,000.  In 
1878  10  bbls.  were  taken  by  sch.  Lilian,  of  Noank,  Conn.,  and  landed  at 
Lewes  April  5,  selling  in  New  York  at  20,  15  and  10  cents  each.  First 
fare,  150  bbls.,  sch.  J.  J.  Clark,  Capt.  Charles  Lee,  at  New  York  April  13. 
The  first  receipts  in  1880  were  April  4;  in  1879,  April  14;  in  1876,  April 
24;  in  1877,  April  25  ;  in  1875,  April  30. 

DORY  FARES. 

In  the  Winter  of  1877-8,  Leander  Godditt  of  Pigeon  Cove  took  2,200  lbs. 
codfish  in  one  day  ;  John  E.  Woodbury  and  his  son  Elbridge,  of  Folly  Cove, 
took  3,900  lbs.;  Albion  Knowlton  and  Howard  Parsons,  3,850  lbs.;  Warren 
and  Howard  Poland,  3,800  lbs.;  J.  W.  Marchant  and  B.  F.  Saunders,  3,300 
lbs.;  John  Woodbury  and  C.  Sammis,  3,200  lbs.  The  same  Winter  a  Mr. 
Taber  of  Nantucket  launched  his  dory,  pulled  two  miles  to  the  fishing 
grounds,  took  2,114  pounds  of  codfish,  and  pulled  ashore,  all  on  one  tide, 
not  exceeding  three  hours.  Feb.  26,  1880,  Mr.  George  Woodbury  of  Folly 
Cove  had  three  tubs  of  trawls  set,  comprising  1,500  hooks.  He  hauled  his 
trawls  and  got  for  his  hard  day's  work  five  pounds  of  fish.  The  next  day 
Mr.  Ezra  L.  Woodbury  overhauled  six  tubs  of  trawls  and  did  not  get  a  fish. 


36  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


The  Old-Time  Fishery  at  'Squam. 

BY   GIDEON    L.    DAVIS. 

Tradition  of  the  Early  Settlement — The  Vessels  Used  and  Voyages  Pursued — An 
Interview  with  " Uncle  Ben"  Who  Tells  What  He  Knows  about  the  Old- 
Time  Fishery — "  Uncle  Joe's"  Narrative — "  Uncle  'BijaWs"  First  Trip — 
Various  Kinds  of  Craft  Used  in  the  Fisheries — A  Grand  Bank  Trip  in  1816 
or  18 1 7 — Largest  Fishing  Fare  Ever  Landed  on  Cape  Ann. 

The  business  of  fishing  at  'Squam  must  have  commenced  with  its  settle- 
ment, for  the  not-over-productive  soil  could  have  afforded  but  a  scanty 
livelihood,  and  the  early  settlers  were  doubtless  attracted  by  the  products 
of  the  sea,  which  were  plentiful  and  easily  obtained.  Tradition,  documen- 
tary evidence  and  landmarks  tend  to  prove  that  the  fisheries  commenced 
here  at  a  very  early  period,  and  flourished  for  many  years.  The  places 
which  tradition  asserts  were  once  the  sites  of  fishing  establishments,  hardly 
a  trace  of  which  remains,  and  the  fishing  stands  of  a  later  period,  with  their 
wharves  and  warehouses  crumbling  to  decay,  mark  two  eras  of  prosperity  in 
the  fishing  business  that  have  long  since  passed  away. 

Could  we  go  back  in  imagination  to  that  earlier  era  ;  could  we  bridge  over 
the  lapse  of  years  that  have  intervened  ;  and  tell  how  the  fishermen  lived — 
how  they  captured  their  fish — describe  their  clumsy  and  ill-contrived  crafts 
— recount  the  dangers  and  difficulties  they  encountered — we  might  compile 
a  chapter  full  of  interest  for  the  "Fishermen's  Own  Book." 

(3f  the  ancient  fishing  establishments,  which  seem  to  have  flourished  at  an 
early  day,  we  can  hazard  but  a  few  conjectures.  All  record  of  them,  if  there 
ever  was  any  such  record,  has  been  lost.  Our  knowledge  of  them  is*  there- 
fore merely  traditional.  The  "ketches"  and  "sloops"  spoken  of  in  history 
as  the  first  vessels  employed  in  the  Cape  Ann  fisheries  were  doubtless  used 
by  them.  Of  the  latter  class  of  fishing  craft  we  learn  from  history  that  in 
1724  several  were  employed  in  the  Bank  fishery,  and  that  one  of  them,  the 
Squirrel,  belonging  to  'Squam  river,  was  captured  by  a  pirate ;  that  the 
crew  subsequently  rose  against  their  captors,  killed  some,  threw  others  over- 
board, retook  the  sloop  and  brought  her  back  into  the  river.  The  hanging 
of  the  bodies  of  two  of  the  pirates  upon  "  Hangman's  Island "  may  be 
taken  as  evidence  that  the  Squirrel  belonged  to  the  fishing  establishment  at 
"Done  Fudging,"  about  which  there  has  been  so  much  conjecture,  since 
the  island  was  but  a  short  distance  from  it.  It  is  now  covered  by  the  East- 
ern Railroad  bridge,  which  spans  the  river  at  this  point.     I  remember  seeing 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  37 

it  when  a  boy,  a  small  low  island,  partly  washed  away  by  the  tide,  with 
a  few  stunted  trees  growing  upon  it.  As  the  captured  pirates  were  tried  and 
executed  elsewhere,  it  is  probable  that  the  island  took  its  name  from  the 
suspension  of  the  dead  bodies  of  Burroughs  and  Phillips,  who  were  killed 
in  the  recapture  of  the  sloop,  upon  a  mock  gallows  thereon. 

Why  the  early  fishermen  should  have  sought  such  out-of-the-way  places — 
always  far  up  some  river  or  creek — in  preference  to  Gloucester  harbor, 
whose  convenience  of  access  and  adaptability  to  the  business  has  given 
birth  to  a  thriving  and  growing  city,  is  left  to  conjecture.  It  may  be  that 
in  those  troublous  times  they  selected  them  as  being  more  remote  from  the 
sea,  and  affording  greater  safety  from  the  depredations  of  piratical  craft, 
which  were  then  quite  numerous,  and  also  from  the  cruisers  of  the  govern- 
ments with  which  the  mother  country  was  then  at  war.  The  location  of 
their  dwelling  houses — of  which  forty  desolate  cellars  remain,  whose  story 
none  can  tell — far  removed  from  the  shore,  and  always  in  some  secluded 
spot,  corroborates  this  view,  as  does  also  the  tradition  that  they  hauled  their 
fish  up  on  Dogtown  Common  to  cure. 

About  1630  a  party  of  men,  led  by  a  son  of  Rev.  John  Robinson  of  Puri- 
tan fame,  seeking  a  place  suitable  for  a  fishing  station,  landed  at  Annisquam, 
and  were  so  well  pleased  with  its  harbor  and  other  conveniences  that  they 
concluded  to  set  up  a  fishing  stage  there,  and  send  for  their  families.  This 
was  the  first  permanent  settlement  of  Cape  Ann.  The  abandoned  cellars 
were  theirs,  and  the  ruined  wharves  which  tradition  asserts  were  once  the 
sites  of  important  fishing  establishments,  doubtless  belonged  to  and  were 
used  by  them  and  their  immediate  descendants. 

What  sort  of  crafts  they  used,  what  voyages  they  made,  what  success  they 
met  with,  cannot  now  be  learned.  It  is  probable  that  the  "ketch,"  a  small 
open  boat  with  two  masts  and  sails,  answered  every  requirement  for  a  long 
period,  since  doubtless  fish  were  plentiful  and  near  at  hand.  Probably  no 
craft  of  considerable  size  fitted  from  these  establishments  until  a  much 
later  period.  In  1724,  nearly  a  hundred  years  after  the  settlement,  we  find 
mention  of  a  vessel  of  larger  proportions,  the  Squirrel,  before  alluded  to. 
She  must  have  been  a  good-sized  craft,  carrying  quite  a  crew,  and  bound  on 
a  distant  voyage,  as  it  is  said  that  the  men  took  their  tools  along  with  them 
to  complete  her  on  the  outward  passage,  she  being  a  new  vessel.  At  a  later 
date  the  old  Bankers  and  Pinkeys  were  undoubtedly  fitted  from  these  estab- 
lishments. 

Wishing  to  obtain  some  information  in  regard  to  the  ancient  fishing 
site  at  Mill  Creek,  concerning  which  there  has  been  so  much  curiosity 
and  conjecture,  and  of  which  a  ruined  wharf  is  all  that  now  remains,  we 
sought  out  "Uncle  Ben,"  who  lives  near  the  place,  as  the  one  most  likely  to 
be  able  to  impart  the  information  we  desired      "Uncle  Ben"  is  a  hale  old 


38  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

veteran  of  the  sea.  We  found  him  open-hearted  and  free,  as  we  knew  him 
of  old,  and  carrying  his  eighty  and  odd  years  remarkably  well. 

"  Do  I  know  anything  about  the  old  fishing  establishment  just  below  here 
on  Riggs'  Point?  Well,  I  ought  to,  seeing  that  I  went  from  there  when 
a  boy.  Capt.  Samuel  Riggs  carried  it  on  then.  I  do  not  know  who  carried 
it  on  before  him.  Somebody  must  have  done  so,  for  he  did  not  build  the 
wharf  or  the  warehouses  ;  he  built  only  the  drying  houses  that  stood  further 
up  the  hill.  They  were  all  pulled  down  about  forty  years  ago.  He  owned 
three  vessels,  standing-room  pinkeys  of  about  twenty -five  tons  burthen,  one 
called  the  John,  another  the  Mary  Ann,  and  the  third  the  Sally. 

"I  was  a  small  boy  when  I  commenced  to  go.  We  used  to  start  about 
the  first  of  May  and  go  down  on  Tantor,  Southeastern  Jeffries,  Cashes,  and 
sometimes  to  Wood  Island,  and  would  be  gone  about  a  week.  Fish  were 
plenty  enough,  and  we  could  catch  just  as  many  as  we  wanted. 

"I  do  not  remember  anything  about  the  old  Banking  fleet  j  that  was  before 
I  can  remember.  I  have  heard  say  that  they  used  to  have  them  up  to  Done 
Fudging.  Cod  and  haddock  were  all  the  fish  we  used  to  market.  Halibut 
were  plenty  enough.  They  would  come  up  alongside  and  swim  with  their 
fins  out  of  water,  but  we  never  thought  of  catching  them.  Sometimes, 
though  not  often,  we  would  catch  one  and  smoke  it — for  our  own  eating — 
in  the  pinkey's  chimney,  which  made  a  nice  smoke-house.  When  they  got 
too  plenty  we  would  haul  up  and  seek  another  'berth.'  They  used  to  bother 
us,  as  I  have  heard"  my  father  say  the  pollock  used  to  bother  them  when  he 
went.  They  did  not  know  what  a  pollock  was  in  his  day,  and  used  to  think 
it  a  bad  haul  when  they  got  one  on  the  hook.  At  one  time  he  used  to  go 
coasting  in  what  would  now  be  thought  a  small  craft,  but  what  they  consid- 
ered a  monster,  an  old-fashioned  standing-room  pinkey  of  forty-two  tons, 
with  timber  heads  coming  up  along  her  sides  six  or  eight  inches,  around 
which  a  plank  was  bent  to  serve  as  bulwarks — then  called  a  waist.  She 
had  fore-and-aft  standing  rooms,  a  fore-cuddy  with  a  brick  chimney  and 
fireplace,  carried  fore-and-aft  sails,  and  was  without  shrouds  or  bowsprit. 
She  had  hemp,  or  what  was  then  called  Raven's  duck,  sails — cotton  duck 
was  then  unknown — and  carried  a  scout  horn*  to  wet  them  down  when  the 
wind  was  moderate.  They  used  to  coast  along  shore,  carrying  corn  and 
lumber,  and  once  went  as  far  south  as  Charleston. 

"Aaron  Hodgkins  had  a  pinkey  of  twenty  tons,  called  the  Willow.  He 
went  in  her  himself,  going  from  here.  Aaron  and  Vincent  Wheeler,  broth- 
ers, had  a  square-stern  boat  whose  name  I  do  not  remember.  They  went 
from  Wheeler's  Point.     Over  in  Goose  Cove,  above  the  mill  dam,  where 

*As  hemp  sails  were  porous,  aud  had  not  the  wind-holding  properties  of  cotton  duck,  the 
"  scout  horn,"  a  pole  about  fifteen  feet  in  length  with  a  leather  pocket  holding  about  a  pint 
of  water  to  throw  on  the  sails  and  close  them  up,  was  an  indispensable  instrument. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


39 


you  can  see  the  remains  of  an  old  wharf,  Josh.  Riggs  went  in  an  old  pinkey 
called  the  Blaney.  It  is  about  sixty  years  since  she  last  left  the  cove.  She 
went  out  under  her  foresail,  with  a  fresh  sou'west  wind.  Uncle  Josh., 
leaning  over  the  mainboom,  said,  '  Looks  dreadful  squally,  don't  it  ?  Guess 
we  had  better  go  back.'  Back  they  went,  and  there  she  laid  her  bones,  that 
being  the  last  cruise  of  the  Blaney" 

All  this  and  much  more  interesting  information  "Uncle  Ben"  imparted 
freely,  but  we  shall  omit  the  rest,  as  there  are  other  veterans  of  the  fishing 
grounds  to  be  heard  from. 

We  were  desirous  of  learning  something  concerning  the  old  Bankers,  that 
are  said  to  have  sailed  from  these  ancient  fishing  establishments,  and  felt 
that  we  should  be  most  likely  to  obtain  the  information  we  desired  by  inter- 
viewing "Uncle  Joe."  What  we  gathered  from  this  source  will  now  be 
given,  not  as  he  told  it,  for  that  would  take  a  more  graphic  pen  than  ours. 
But  we  will  "puss"  it  up  together,  as  the  fishermen  do  the  schools  of 
mackerel. 

"I  remember,  when  a  boy,  four  score  years  ago,  of  hearing  Capt.  William 
Babson,  then  an  old  man,  tell  about  the  old  Bankers.  Capt.  Babson,  Capt. 
Gee  and  Joseph  Baker,  sometimes  called 'Master  Baker,  were  among  the 
fitters.  Capt.  Babson's  place  of  business  was  at  Babson's  Point.  Master 
Baker's  was  at  Baker's  Point,  now  known  as  Pleasant  Point,  and  the  house 
in  which  he  resided  is  the  one  now  occupied  by  Prof.  Hyatt  as  a  Summer 
residence.  The  old  warehouse,  which  used  to  stand  so  conspicuously  on 
the  Point,  was  owned  and  used  by  him.  Capt  Gee's  place  of  business  was 
at  Gee's  Point,  now  known  as  Wheeler's  Point.  His  wharf  may  yet  be 
seen,  so  far  decayed  as  to  be  covered  at  half  tide,  I  think.  There  were 
fourteen  sail  in  all.  I  cannot  remember  now,  even  if  I  ever  knew,  the 
names  of  any  other  fitters ;  but  as  there  were  fourteen  vessels,  and  as  it  was 
not  usual  for  one  establishment  to  fit  more  than  one  or  two  Bankers,  there 
were  probably  other  places  where  they  fitted  out,  and  the  old  sites  at  Done 
Fudging,  Mill  Creek  and  other  places  where  ruined  wharves  remain,  prob- 
ably had  their  share. 

"The  Revolution  put  a  stop  to  the  business.  Some  of  the  vessels  were 
captured  and  burned,  and  others  sold  or  otherwise  disposed  of,  as  a  Bank 
fishing  voyage  was  deemed  hazardous. 

"The  vessels  were  for  the  most  part  built  upon  the  Merrimac  river.  They 
had  never  heard  of  a  chronometer  in  those  days,  and  not  many  of  them 
carried  a  quadrant.  They  used  to  depend  on  the  compass,  soundings,  and 
personal  judgment.  It  is  probable  that  as  a  rule  the  skippers  were  ac- 
quainted only  with  the  most  simple  and  practical  rules  of  navigation,  yet 
they  were  very  successful  on  their  voyages.  It  is  related  of  Capt.  Babson, 
that,  having  secured  the  services  of  Capt.  David  Sargent  as  skipper,  in 


4o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

order  to  badger  him  he  sent  some  one  down  while  he  was  getting  underway 
for  a  fishing  voyage,  to  ask  him  if  he  had  got  his  quadrant  on  board.  ■  Tell 
Cap'n  Babs'n,'  was  the  reply,  'that  I  kin  find  ye  way  to  ye  Banks  widout  a 
quadrant  as  weel  as  he  kin  wid  one.' 

"  I  wish  I  could  tell  you  something  more  definite  about  the  old-time  fish- 
eries, but  even  were  I  able  to  do  so  it  might  be  questioned,  since  I  could 
only  speak  from  hearsay. 

"The  pinkey  fleet,  however,  were  quite  numerous  in  my  day.  At  one 
time  there  were  more  than  one  hundred  on  this  side  of  the  Cape,  including 
Rockport,  then  Sandy  Bay ;  Lanesville,  then  Lane's  Cove  j  Bay  View,  then 
Hodgkins'  Cove ;  and  'Squam,  where  about  twenty-five  were  owned  and 
fitted.  Those  belonging  to  the  first-named  places  would  come  around  to 
'Squam  when  the  weather  was  bad  or  threatening,  those  from  Rockport 
going  into  Goose  Cove  as  affording  a  near  route  to  their  homes,  and  those 
from  Lanesville  and  Bay  View  into  Lobster  Cove  for  the  same  reason. 
There  were  no  breakwaters  at  those  places  then,  and  in  good  weather  the 
pinkeys  were  moored  to  a  mooring-stump* — a  spar  with  one  end  driven  into 
a  hole  made  for  the  purpose  in  a  large  flat  rock  of  several  tons  weight, 
sunken  at  a  sufficient  distance  from  the  shore  to  allow  the  pinkeys  to  swing 
clear  of  the  rocks.     Some  of  them  still  remain,  and  are  objects  of  curiosity. 

"They  were  the  old  style  pinkey,  without  bowsprit  or  shrouds,  with  two 
masts  and  hempen  sails,  and  were  from  twelve  to  twenty-five  tons  burthen, 
and  carried  a  crew  of  three  men.  They  were  built  at  Chebacco,  now  Essex, 
at  first,  but  were  afterwards  also  built  at  'Squam.  Capt.  Epes  Davis  built 
the  first  one  there,  about  the  year  1800,  on  the  Chebacco  model.  He  hired 
a  man  from  Essex  to  help  him,  but  for  some  reason  he  went  away  when  the 
pinkey  was  half  completed,  and  Capt.  Davis  finished  her  himself,  with  the 
aid  of  his  wife,  who  held  the  plank  and  timbers  while  he  fastened  them  on. 
This  pinkey  was  twenty  tons  burthen,  and  named  the  Dromo.  Capt.  Davis 
went  to  Brown's  Bank  in  her  and  brought  in  sixty  quintals  of  split  fish. 
She  had  the  usual  features  of  the  pinkey,  two  open  standing  rooms,  one 
forward  and  one  aft,  to  fish  in,  with  hatches  to  cover  them  over,  and  was 
without  shrouds  or  bowsprit.  Capt.  Davis  continued  the  building  of  vessels, 
and  in  all  built  more  than  one  hundred.  In  1823  he  built  the  first  square 
stern  vessel  ever  built  at  'Squam.  Her  name  was  the  Chrysanthemum,  of 
sixty-three  tons,  and  she  was  first  sent  on  a  southern  mackereling  voyage. 
Others  engaged  in  the  business,  and  it  flourished  for  many  years.  At  one 
time  I  have  seen  ten  vessels  on  the  stocks,  and  sixty  sail  were  owned  and 
fitted  here. 

"They  are  all  gone,  skippers,  boats  and  crews.     I   can  remember  the 

*A  full  description  of  these  mooring  stumps  is  given  In  the  "Fishermen's  Memorial  and 
Record  Book." 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  41 

names  of  many  of  them.  At  the  Folly,  Walter  Woodbury  went  in  the  Repub- 
lican, Epes  Woodbury  in  the  Bonaparte,  Epes  Woodbury,  Jr.,  in  the  Sea 
Flower,  Caleb  Merchant  in  the  Hope,  Joel  Griffin  in  the  Lion,  Nat.  Lane  in 
the  Sea  Foam,  John  Clovis  in  the  John,  and  Asa  Woodbury  in  the  Essex. 
At  Lane's  Cove  were  the  Liberty,  Winthrop  Sargent ;  Heron,  John  Lane ; 
Lily,  Reuben  Patch  j  Jefferson,  Moses  Lane  ;  and  William,  Andrew  and 
John  Langsford  owned  and  went  in  pinkeys.  The  last-named  was  lost 
overboard  in  1826,  in  coming  from  Jeffries,  and  the  crew  carried  the  boat 
into  'the  harbor.' 

"There  are  many  others  whom  I  remember — Andrew  Bailey,  Robert 
Stevens,  William  Young,  Epes  Lane,  Joe  Lane,  David  Lane,  Fellows  Mor- 
gan, Harry  Sargent,  etc.,  who  owned  and  fished  in  pinkeys.  At  'Squam  I 
remember  the  Martha,  David  Chard ;  Corporal  Trim,  John  Duley ;  Dove, 
Joseph  Davis  ;  and  many  others  that  I  could  recall.  I  remember  a  trip 
that  Daniel  A.  Robinson  made  to  Western  Bank  in  April,  18 17,  in  a  pinkey 
of  forty  or  fifty  tons  named  the  Constitution.  She  was  owned  and  fitted  by 
Epes  Davis." 

Thanking  "  Uncle  Joe "  for  his  information,  we  next  proceeded  to  hunt 
up  "Capt.  'Bijah."  We  found  him  smoking  in  a  snug  corner  by  a  sea-coal 
fire,  and  he  gave  us,  between  whiffs,  the  following  account  of  his  first  trip  : 

"  I  was  ten  years  old  when  I  made  my  first  fishing  trip.  We  went  to 
Cashes  in  a  deck  boat  of  twenty  tons.  Capt.  Daniel  Robinson  was  skip- 
per and  I  was  cook.  There  were  six  of  us,  all  told.  We  went  at  the  halves, 
and  all  shared  alike,  the  privilege  of  cooking  and  the  glory  of  being  skip- 
per being  considered  in  those  days  ample  compensation  for  any  extra  labor 
or  responsibility.  We  took  about  forty  barrels  of  mackerel,  saving  only  the 
large  bloaters,  which  we  slat  into  the  barrels ;  the  smaller  fish  we  slat  into 
the  lee  scuppers  and  stamped  them  up  with  our  boots  for  bait  with  which 
to  toll  the  fish.  Afterwards  we  chopped  bait  with  a  hatchet,  until  Gunni- 
son, of  Newburyport,  invented  the  bait  mill,  a  godsend  to  the  fishermen, 
who  could  now  smoke  and  spin  yarns  while  on  watch,  instead  of  chopping 
bait.  A  story  is  told,  on  the  best  of  authority,  of  one  skipper,  Andrew 
Burnham,  who  had  been  a  great  'killer'  in  his  time,  that  after  the  bait  mill 
came  into  use  he  was  unable  to  sleep  without  the  sound  of  the  hatchet 
chopping  bait,  to  which  he  had  been  so  long  accustomed.  It  is  said  that 
they  tried  pounding  on  the  anchor  stock,  and  tramping  with  their  big  boots 
on  the  deck  above  his  head,  but  all  to  no  avail.  There  was  an  element 
lacking  in  the  noise  they  made,  and  he  wooed  the  somnolent  god  to  no  ef- 
fect, and  was  obliged  to  retire  to  private  life  on  a  farm,  in  the  '  Second  Par- 
ish,' I  believe. 

"We  cooked  in  the  old-fashioned  way,  in  a  brick  fire  place  with  a  brick 
chimney,  and  a  wooden  smoke  stack  or  funnel  which  was  intended  to  carry 


42  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

off  the  smoke,  but  did  not  always  do  so.  The  crane,  pot-hook,  Dutch  oven 
and  trencher  were  all  there,  and  all  brought  into  use,  as  I  well  remember. 
We  baked  short  cakes  on  the  trencher,  bread  in  the  Dutch  oven,  and  hung 
our  kettle  on  the  crane,  with  the  pot-hook,  to  make  coffee  or  tea. 

"We  had  fine  weather,  and  everything  passed  off  finely  except  the  smoke, 
which  refused  to  pass  off  at  all,  and  under  a  less  resolute  commander  than 
skipper  Robinson  would  doubtless  have  assumed  command  altogether. 
No  casualties  occurred  except  the  burning  of  a  few  short  cakes,  while 
'Bijah  (it  being  his  first  voyage)  paid  tribute  to  father  Neptune,  and  was 
himself  again.  We  were  gone  three  days.  Arriving  on  the  fishing  grounds 
we  made  but  one  'berth,'  catching  and  dressing  until  everything  was  full, 
when  we  hoisted  the  foresail,  for  jib  we  had  none,  and  bore  away  for 
'Squam,  arrived  in  the  channel,  dropped  anchor,  furled  the  sails,  and  went 
home  to  see  the  folks." 

According  to  the  records  the  first  vessels  employed  in  the  Gloucester 
fisheries  were  the  "ketch"  and  the  "sloop."  The  ketches  were  smaller 
than  the  sloops,  and  were  doubtless  employed  in  the  shore  fishery,  while 
the  sloops  were  used  for  voyages  to  a  greater  distance.  The  ketch  was  but 
a  miserable  shallop,  with  two  masts,  one  far  in  the  stern  and  the  other  far 
forward  in  the  bows,  to  obtain  all  the  room  possible  between.  They  were 
little  better  adapted  to  the  calling  than  the  sloop,  which  any  sailor  knows  is 
a  poor  rig  for  a  fishing  trip.  At  a  later  day  we  find  the  pinkey  and  the  old 
Banker  brought  into  general  use.  But  the  pinkey  was  only  an  improve- 
ment in  some  respects  upon  the  ketch,  having  the  same  dangerous  rig  of 
two  unsupported  masts,  and  it  is  a  wonder  how  they  could  have  performed 
some  of  the  voyages  with  which  they  are  credited.  Some  of  the  pinkeys 
were  as  large  as  the  ordinary  fishing  schooner,  with  spars  in  proportion. 
With  the  pinkey  to  monopolize  the  shore  fishery  came  the  old  Banker  to 
take  the  place  of  the  sloop,  a  clumsy  craft  at  the  best,  slow  and  unwieldly, 
with  short  masts,  full  bow,  and  high  quarter  deck,  not  unlike  the  vessel  in 
which  Columbus  discovered  the  new  world,  though  somewhat  improved 
upon,  no  doubt.  These  had  their  day  and  generation,  and  by  gradual  de- 
velopment, adopting  here  and  there  what  experience  showed  to  be  an 
improvement,  gave  to  the  fisheries  and  to  ocean  navigation  a  new  craft,  with 
a  new  name  and  characteristics  peculiarly  its  own,  the  beautifully  modelled, 
swift  and  graceful  "schooner." 

With  the  exception  of  some  disguise  in  the  names  of  the  narrators,  the 
foregoing  account  of  the  early  fisheries  at  'Squam  may  be  regarded  as  essen- 
tially correct,  being  either  matters  of  history  or  statements  of  persons  now 
living. 

In  conclusion  we  present  a  brief  account  of  a  trip  to  Grand  Bank  in  1816 
or   18 1 7,  resulting  in  the  largest  fare  of  fish  ever  landed  on  Cape  Ann. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  43 

This  trip  was  made  from  Gloucester  in  the  sch.  Mary  Elizabeth,  one  of  the 
old-time  Bankers,  commanded  by  Capt.  George  Davis,  of  Annisquam.  The 
Mary  Elizabeth  was  owned  by  Robert  Elwell  of  Gloucester,  and  was  a  new 
topsail  schooner  of  one  hundred  and  thirteen  tons,  built  upon  the  Merrimac 
river  just  above  the  Haverhill  bridge.  She  carried  a  crew  of  twelve  men,  in 
addition  to  the  skipper,  as  follows :  Benjamin  Marble,  Joseph  Jones,  James 
Sawyer,  all  of  Fresh  Water  Cove ;  Samuel  Davis  of  Ferry  Lane ;  John 
Wharff,  Enoch  Center,  of  Fox  Hill ;  Samuel  Wharff,  William  Bennett,  Ben- 
jamin Curtis,  near  Dodge's  Mill,  Riverdale  ;  William  Marsh,  Robert  and 
George  Davis  of  Annisquam,  the  two  latter  sons  of  the  skipper,  Robert  be- 
ing the  cook,  and  George,  now  living  at  Annisquam  in  the  eighty-sixth  year 
of  his  age,  being  our  informant  in  regard  to  the  incidents  of  the  trip. 

They  started  about  the  first  of  April  and  were  gone  ninety  days.  They 
fished  with  hand  lines,  on  board  the  vessel,  and  caught  seventeen  thousand 
codfish  in  number. 

Having  arrived  on  the  Bank  they  made  everything  as  snug  as  possible, 
taking  down  the  topsail  and  topgallant  yards  and  lashing  them  across  the 
stern.  Halibut  were  very  numerous,  and  they  could  have  soon  loaded  with 
them  had  they  desired.  They  caught  a  great  many  of  them,  but  only  saved 
the  fins  and  napes,  which  they  salted  in  barrels,  and  fletched  and  smoked 
quite  a  lot  of  the  best  pieces  overhead  in  the  cabin.  One  day  they  caught 
a  very  large  one,  with  a  haddock  in  his  mouth,  the  only  haddock  they  saw 
during  the  trip.  They  had  very  good  weather,  met  with  no  disaster,  and 
arrived  safely  in  Gloucester,  and  landed  their  fare  at  Fresh  Water  Cove, 
making  2,500  quintals  dry  fish,  the  crew  realizing  as  their  share  $24  for 
each  thousand  fish  caught.  Our  informant  states  that  the  water  stood  upon 
her  lower  deck  when  she  left  the  Bank,  but  naturally,  from  the  shrinkage 
of  the  fish  and  the  pumping  off  of  the  pickle,  she  was  considerable  lighter 
when  she  reached  port.  Her  outfits  were  principally  ship-bread,  beans,  rice, 
a  little  flour,  some  beef  and  pork,  molasses,  tea  and  coffee,  and  some  rum. 
Fish  and  beans  and  beef,  with  ship-bread,  were  the  principal  articles  of 
diet,  but  on  Sunday  morning  they  would  have  fried  pancakes — about  half  a 
bushel  being  required  to  go  the  rounds — as  a  sort  of  holiday  treat,  as  they 
invariably  refrained  from  fishing  on  Sunday.  The  Mary  Elizabeth  had  the 
high  quarter-deck  peculiar  to  the  Bankers,  divided  below  into  three  com- 
partments, the  forward  part  used  for  the  storage  of  fishing  gear,  etc.,  the 
middle  compartment  as  a  pantry  and  kitchen,  in  which  they  cooked  and 
ate,  and  the  after  part  called  the  steerage,  where  they  lived  and  slept. 


44  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Homeward  Bound. 

BY  JAMES  DAVIS. 

O  heave  up  the  anchor,  the  waist  it  lies  low 

With  the  weight  of  our  good  finny  freight  in  the  hold; 
The  wind  from  the  east  is  beginning  to  blow, 

Now  heave  up  the  anchor,  my  live  lions  bold ; 
My  eyes  they  are  aching  for  sight  of  the  land, 

My  heart  it  is  sighing  for  sweet  home  once  more ; 
Now  heave  O,  my  hearties,  and  landward  we'll  stand, 

To  meet  the  dear  friends  who  are  waiting  on  shore. 

Chorus. 

O  heave  up  the  anchor,  my  good  fishers  bold, 
And  homeward  we'll  steer  with  our  freight  good  as  gold ; 
Blow,  breezes,  and  waft  us  the  wide  waters  o'er, 
For  dear  ones  are  waiting  for  us  on  the  shore. 

Out  on  the  dark  waters,  for  four  weeks  and  more, 

We've  trawled  and  we've  hauled,  boys,  day  in  and  day  out; 
Now  dear  ones  are  watching  for  us  on  the  shore, 

And  fears  for  our  safety  are  whispered  about; 
So  heave  up  the  anchor  and  set  every  sail, 

Blow,  breezes,  and  speed  us  the  wide  waters  o'er, 
Blow  steady  and  strong  till  the  home-port  we  hail, 

And  gladden  the  hearts  that  are  waiting  on  shore. — Chorus. 

O,  Love  will  sail  out,  and  Love  will  sail  in, 

For  beneath  our  rough  jackets  our  hearts  they  beat  warm, 
And  bread  and  delights  for  our  dear  ones  to  win, 

We  watch,  and  we  work,  and  we  battle  the  storm; 
But  happy  the  day  when  the  skipper  doth  say, 

"  Come,  heave  up  the  anchor,  men,  full  is  our  store," 
And  o'er  the  wide  waters  we  speed  on  our  way, 

To  meet  the  dear  friends  who  are  waiting  on  shore.— Chorus, 

And  so  we  will  sail,  boys,  blow  high  or  blow  low, 

Sail  landward  or  seaward,  as  duty  may  call, 
With  a  heart  for  hard  fortunes,  for  never  we  know, 

Bound  outward  or  inward,  what  luck  may  befall ; 
And  we  sail  and  we  ride  out  on  Georges'  far  bank, 

While  the  winds  and  the  waters  they  rage  and  they  roar, 
And  between  us  and  death  there  is  only  a  plank, 

For  the  sake  of  the  dear  ones  we've  left  on  the  shore.— Chorus. 

There's  danger  on  land,  and  there's  danger  at  sea, 

But  there's  hope  at  all  partings  of  meeting  again, 
For  Love  is  around  us  wherever  we  be, 

And  One  there  goes  with  us  who  knows  we  are  men ; 
So  we  sail  and  we  ride  out  upon  the  rough  tide, 

Expecting  that  when  our  last  sea  voyage  is  o'er, 
We'll  moor  our  old  barks,  boys,  in  port  side  by  side, 

And  greet  our  dear  friends  on  the  heavenly  shore.— Chorus, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  45 

Products  of  the  Gloucester  Fisheries. 

The  following  estimates  of  the  fish  productions  of  Gloucester  at  different 
periods  during  the  past  thirty-five  years  will  give  a  good  idea  of  the  growth 
and  changes  in  the  business  : 

Statement  of  fish  products  in  1847,  collected  by  Mr.  Addison  Winter  and 
furnished  the  "History  of  Gloucester,"  not  including  the  results  of  the  Win- 
ter dory  fishing:  7,088,376  lbs.  codfish,  valued  at  $181,703  j  3,379,776  lbs. 
halibut,  $70,761  j  735,506  lbs.  hake,  $12,174;  919,188  lbs.  pollock,  $16,556; 
46,779  bbls.  mackerel,  $290,055  ;  337^  bbls.  tongues  and  sounds,  $1873  ; 
39,520  gals,  oil,  $16,232.  Total  value,  $589,354.  Number  of  vessels 
employed,  287,  of  which  126  were  of  less  than  forty  tons  burthen.  Total 
tonnage,  12,354;  number  of  men  employed,  1681  ;  boys,  186. 

Fish  products  for  1859,  exclusive  of  the  herring,  shell  and  shore  fisheries  : 
59,664^}  bbls.  mackerel,  valued  at  $705,833  ;  114,047  qtls.  codfish,  $416,271  ; 
4,500,000  lbs.  halibut,  $135,000  ;  1,400  bbls.  oil,  $19,600.  Total  value, 
$1,276,704.  The  other  fish  products  probably  brought  the  value  to  nearly 
one  and  a  half  million  dollars.  Number  erf  vessels,  322  ;  tonnage,  23,882  ; 
number  of  men  employed,  3,434 ;  boys,  34. 

1865 — from  State  Census — value  of  mackerel  catch,  154,938  bbls.,  $2,190,- 
562  ;  codfish,  etc.,  113,025  qtls.,  $706,420;  oil,  $90,420;  fresh  fish,  $360,- 
000;  tongues  and  sounds,  3,000  bbls.,  $25,000;  herring,  $200,000;  bait, 
1,400  bbls.,  $75,000  ;  lobsters,  $3,450.  Total  value,  $3,650,  852.  Number 
of  vessels,  353  ;  tonnage,  25,170  ;  number  of  men,  4,700.  Capital  invested, 
$1,901,700  ;  value  of  salt  consumed,  $232,275. 

Products  for  1873 — Custom  House  estimate — 86,544  bbls.  mackerel,  of  a 
value  of  $1,125,000;  460,000  qtls.  codfish,  $2,070,000  ;  5,000  bbls.  herring, 
$23,000  ;  25,000  qtls.  other  fish,  $50,000;  9,000,000  lbs.  fresh  fish,  $310,- 
000;  275,000  gals,  oil,  $165,000;  shell  fish,  $13,000;  7,000  tons  fish  ma- 
nure, $25,000  ;  miscellaneous,   $15,000.     Total   value,  $3,801,000,  against 

$3>437>°°°  in  l872- 

Products  of  1875,  carefully  prepared  from  actual  returns  obtained  by 
George  H.  Procter:  177,473  qtls.  Bank  codfish,  of  a  value  of  $998,628; 
185,758  qtls.  Georges  do.,  $1,021,669;  2,462,364  lbs.  Georges  halibut, 
$172,365  ;  7,248,413  lbs.  Bank  do.,  $507,389;  4,257  qtls.  hake,  $12,774; 
2,349  qtls.  cusk,  $7,047  ;  9,417  qtls.  pollock,  $32,964;  38,292  bbls.  herring, 
$153,168  ;  shore  fish,  fresh,  $89,738,  cured,  $135,697,  oil,  $8,945  ;  18,172^ 
bbls.  No.  1  mackerel,  $327,112,  7,065^6  bbls.  No.  2,  $184,780,  21,763  bbls. 
No.  3,  $174,104,  4>°39^  bbls-  No-  4,  $24,105  ;  3,175  bbls.  herring,  $13,494; 
163  bbls.  pickled  codfish  and  40^  bbls.  swordfish,  $1,097  ;  410^6  bbls.  trout 
and  75^  bbls.  fins  and  napes,  $4,042;  2ij4  bbls.  salmon  and  205  bbls. 


46  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

tongues  and  sounds,  $2,282;  shell  fish,  $10,000;  other  fish,  $8,000;  fish  oil 
other  than  shore,  $100,000.     Total  value,  $3,909,500. 

In  1867  there  were  220  Gloucester  vessels  engaged  in  the  Bay  St.  Law- 
rence mackerel  fishery,  and  only  50  off  shore. 

Products  since  1875,  excluding  hake,  pollock,  cusk,  shell  fish  and  oil : 

1876 — Georges  codfish,  26,975,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  18,627,000  lbs. ;  Bank 
halibut,  11,453,000  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  3,005,100  lbs.;  mackerel,  95,422  bbls.; 
herring,  35,800  bbls. 

1877 — Georges  codfish,  23,755,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  16,865,000  lbs.;  Bank 
halibut,  14,319,000  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  1,814,000  lbs.;  fletched  do.,  850,000 
lbs.;  Greenland  do.,  100,000  lbs.;  mackerel,  49,044  bbls.;  herring,  28,500 
bbls.  86  Gloucester  vessels  fished  for  mackerel  in  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence 
this  year. 

1878 — Georges  codfish,  24,158,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  12,202,500  lbs.;  Bank 
halibut,  10,914,500  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  524,100  lbs.;  Greenland  do.,  fletched, 
120,000  lbs.;  mackerel,  55,742  bbls.;  herring,  27,000  bbls.  This  was  the 
year  when  the  herring  fleet  was  driven  away  from  the  shores  of  Newfound- 
land. 125  fares,  about  30,000  bbls.,  sea-packed  mackerel,  were  received 
from  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence. 

1879 — Georges  codfish,  23,144,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  13,247,000  lbs.;  shore 
do.,  3,742,000  lbs.;  Bank  halibut,  11,717,400  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  995,500 
lbs.;  Greenland  do.,  fletched,  500,000  lbs.;  mackerel,  48,643  bbls.;  herring, 
20,000  bbls.  429  vessels  were  employed,  of  which  338  hailed  rom  Glouc- 
ester; 104  followed  Georges  all  the  season,  and  82  the  Bank  cod  and  hali- 
but fisheries.     25  vessels  made  Bay  St.  Lawrence  trips  for  mackerel. 

1880 — Georges  codfish,  27,511,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  20,247,000  lbs.;  shore 
do.,  1,721,000  lbs.;  Bank  halibut,  7,940,000  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  1,125,450  lbs.; 
Greenland  do.,  fletched  80,000  lbs.;  mackerel,  116,793  bbls.;  herring,  30,000 
bbls.  The  fleet  numbered  441  vessels,  of  which  334  were  owned  in  Glouc- 
ester. 107  followed  the  Georges  fishery  exclusively,  and  90  confined  their 
operations  to  the  Bank  cod  and  halibut  fisheries,  and  17  made  Bay  St. 
Lawrence  trips,  bringing  some  3,505  bbls.  mackerel. 

1881 — Georges  codfish,  22,510,000  lbs.;  Bank  do.,  20,955,280  lbs.;  shore 
do.,  3,245,360  lbs.;  Bank  halibut,  7,178,800  lbs.;  Georges  do.,  1,087,400  lbs.; 
fletched  do.,  25,000  lbs.;  Greenland  do.,  fletched,  428,290  lbs.;  mackerel,  163,- 
851  bbls.;  frozen  herring,  13,318,000.  The  fleet  numbered  437  vessels,  of 
which  343  were  owned  in  Gloucester.  62  followed  the  Georges  fishery  ex 
clusively,  26  Western  Bank  fishery,  10  Grand  Bank  codfishery,  25  Bank  hal- 
ibuting,  and  29  shore  and  Bay  of  Fundy  codfishery.  Only  2  vessels  visited 
the  Bay  St.  Lawrence  for  mackerel,  and  their  catch  was  less  than  50  bbls. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


47 


Return  of  the  Dories. 


BY   CELLIS. 


The  above  picture  shows  the  return  of  some  of  the  shore  fishermen  from  a 
trip  off  shore,  where  they  have  seined  a  goodly  quantity  of  pogies  or  mack- 
erel, which  they  are  now  about  to  unload  from  their  dories  and  take  care 
of.  The  baskets  have  been  filled  all  ready  to  be  conveyed  to  the  store- 
house. The  children  are  enjoying  the  sight  and  are  probably  asking  all  the 
questions  which  their  little  brains  can  conjecture.  The  vast  expanse  of 
water,  with  the  numerous  sea  birds,  add  life  and  beauty  to  the  scene,  which 
is  in  decided  contrast  to  that  presented  when  the  storm-clouds  lower  and 
old  ocean  is  lashed  into  fury.  The  lighthouse,  whose  cheerful  beams  by 
night  guide  the  mariner  on  his  course  over  the  pathless  deep,  stands  as  a 
faithful  sentinel,  and  the  little  cottage  near  by  with  the  smoke  rising  from 
its  chimney,  is  suggestive  of  peace  and  contentment.  Taken  as  a  whole 
the  picture  is  a  cheerful  one,  and  shows  the  bright  side  of  the  fishermen's 
life. 


FISHEfiMfiWS  OWN  BOOK. 


Quick  Passages. 

Sch.  John  D.  Griffen,  Capt.  Gould,  left  Chatham  on  Wednesday,  Oct.  31, 
1877,  for  New  York,  discharged  cargo  and  was  back  the  following  Monday 
with  6,200  bushels  of  corn,  bound  to  Danversport.  Sch.  Anson  Stimson, 
Capt.  Sloman,  made  the  passage  from  Sandy  Hook  to  Matanzas  in  18 
days,  in  1877.  Sch.  Tim  Pickering,  of  Salem,  made  the  voyage  from  New 
York  to  Salem  and  back  in  9  days,  in  1877,  5  days  of  the  time  being  spent 
in  Salem  and  Gloucester.  Bark  Charles  Stewart  made  the  passage  from 
Trapani  to  this  port  in  43  days,  in  1878,  being  ^  days  from  Gibralter. 
Sch.  Herman  Babson  made  the  passage  from  Canso  to  Gottenberg  in  a  few 
hours  over  16  days,  in  1876.  Sch.  Centennial,  Capt.  Philip  Johnson,  made 
the  passage  from  Gloucester  to  Port  Mulgrave,  a  distance  of  488  miles,  in 

1880  in  46  hours.  The  same  year  sch.  Henry  Wilson,  Capt.  James  O. 
Nauss,  made  the  run  from  Cape  Jack  to  Georgetown,  P.  E.  I.,  a  distance 
of  40  miles,  in  4  hours,  and  sch.  David  A.  Story,  Capt.  Joseph  Ryan,  made 
the  passage  from  Gloucester  to  Grand  Menan,  a  distance  of  225  miles,  in 
1$  hours.  In  i860  ship  Golden  Gate  made  the  pasage  from  Liverpool, 
Eng.,  to  San  Francisco,  in  102  days  ;  in  1880-1,  ship  British  General  made 
the  same  passage  in  105  days,  being  15  days  from  the  equator  into  port.     In 

188 1  sch.  Alice,  of  Swan's  Island,  made  the  run  from  Boston  to  Eastport  in 
27  hours,  and  sch.  William  H.  Jordan,  of  Taunton,  made  the  passage  from 
Baltimore  to  Providence  in  56  hours.  Steamer" Admiral,  from  New  York  to 
Boston,  made  a  run  of  9  miles  in  27  minutes,  and  a  passage  from  Glouces- 
ter to  Boston  in  1  hour,  50  minutes.  In  November,  1881,  sch.  Lulu  Am- 
mermann,  of  Perth  Amboy,  N.  J.,  Capt.  John  L.  Stiles,  made  the  passage 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


49 


from  Boston  to  Philadelphia  in  three  days.  Sch.  Lizzie  W.  Matheson,  Capt. 
McKay,  of  Provincetown,  in  October,  1881,  made  the  passage  from  Boston 
to  Cape  Haytien  in  8  days,  discharged  cargo,  loaded  and  returned  to  Bos- 
ton, making  the  round  trip  inside  of  32  days,  said  to  be  the  quickest  time 
on  record.  Sch.  Jennie  A.  Stubbs,  Capt.  Stubbs,  made  the  run  from  Sandy 
Hook  to  Turk's  Island,  in  1881,  in  145  hours,  actual  time.  Sch.  Lottie  K. 
Friend,  Capt  William  H.  Collins,  sailed  from  New  York  on  Saturday  even- 
ing, April  30,  1880,  at  6%  o'clock,  and  arrived  at  Gloucester  at  2  o'clock 
the  following  Monday  morning,  making  the  passage  in  31^  hours;  the  pre- 
vious Winter  the  Lottie  K.  Friend  made  the  passage  from  Phillips'  wharf, 
Salem,  to  New  York,  in  3 1  hours. 

In  the  Summer  of  1880  several  of  the  Gloucester  fishing  vessels  had  an 
opportunity  for  a  race  with  crack  Boston*  yachts,  under  favorable  circum- 
stances: July  27,  sch.  Alice  M.  Williams,  Capt.  Dennis  C.  Murphy,  fell  in 
with  the  yacht  Actae  off  Cape  Sable ;  the  yacht  put  on  all  her  light  sails, 
and  Capt.  Murphy  spread  his  riding  sail  and  all  the  dory  sails  he  could  raise, 
and  kept  company  with  the  yacht  until  he  reached  Eastern  Point,  when  he 
came  into  port,  the  Actae  proceeding  to  Boston.  Aug.  5,  sch.  Isaac  A. 
Chapman,  Capt.  Chas.  R.  Crew,  fell  in  with  the  yacht  Tarolinta;  both  craft 
spread  every  inch  of  canvas,  and  in  an  hour  and  a  half  beating  to  windward 
the  yacht  was  left  fully  one-half  mile  to  leeward.  In  September  the  sch. 
Mary  Odell,  Capt.  McClain,  out-sailed  one  of  the  crack  Boston  yachts,  and 
parties  who  witnessed  the  race  were  so  well  pleased  with  her  sailing  quali- 
ties that  they  made  an  offer  for  the  Odell  on  the  spot,  and  she  was  sold  to 
go  to  Savannah  as  a  pilot  boat. 


SONG  OF  THE  WINTER  FISHERMAN. 


BY  It.  CALDER. 


Up !  up  with  your  sails  to  the  bending  mast, 
Sheet  them  home  with  a  hearty  will ; 

Let  the  rude  caress  of  the  wintry  blast 
Every  fold  of  the  canvas  fill. 

Now  sail  away  o'er  the  treacherous  main, 
"Where  the  storm-king  builds  his  throne, 

Where  the  finny  treasures  of  his  domain 
We  will  gather  and  call  our  own. 

Where  the  towering  iceberg's  crystal  dome 

Is  lost  in  the  drifting  snow, 
And  the  waves  dash  up  their  milky  foam 

From  the  gloomy  depths  below. 

Away  where  the  bright  Aurora's  beams 

Flash  over  the  starry  sky, 
Lighting  the  sea  with  its  golden  gleams, 

Where  the  daring  fishers  lie. 


Oh,  kings  and  rulers  the  land  may  own — 

We  envy  not  the  great ; 
The  ocean  free  is  our  regal  throne, 

The  "  deck"  is  our  Chair  of  State. 

Oh,  here  we  are  free  on  the  ocean's  breast 
As  the  deer  on  his  native  heath ; 

And  when  the  storm  is  over  we  rest 
On  the  billows— or  underneath. 

What  matter  to  us,  when  the  spirit's  fled, 
Where  the  body  finds  a  tomb — 

In  the  church-yard  with  our  kindred  dead, 
Or  'neath  the  ocean's  foam? 

Here's  a  noble  craft  to  meet  the  blast 

Where'er  fate  bids  us  roam, 
And  hearts  to  greet,  when  danger's  past, 

Our  loving  ones  at  home. 


5o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


First  Trips, 

The  first  codfishing  trips  to  Georges  were  made  in  182 1,  and  the  first  cod- 
fishing  trips  to  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence  the  same  year.  The  Georges  halibut 
fishery  was  inaugurated  in  1830. 

The  first  salt  herring  trip  to  Newfoundland  was  made  in  1837  or  1838  by 
Capt.  James  W.  Pattillo,  in  the  pinkey  Tiger.  The  Newfoundland  fresh 
herring  fishery  was  inaugurated  in  1854  by  sch.  Flying  Cloud,  Capt.  Henry 
O.  Smith.  The  first  frozen  herring  marketed  in  New  York  was  in  1857,  by 
sch.  E.  C.  Smith,  Capt.  Sylvanus  Smith.  The  first  cargo  of  herring  ever 
shipped  from  Gloucester  to  a  foreign  port  were  sent  to  Gottenberg  in  sch. 
Nulli  Secundus,  in  1876. 

The  first  Greenland  halibut  trip  was  made  in  1866,  by  sch.  John  Atwood, 
of  Provincetown,  chartered  by  Messrs.  John  F.  Wonson  &  Co.,  Dodd,  Tarr 
&  Co.,  and  Mr.  George  J.  Marsh.  She  sailed  June  29,  commanded  by 
Capt.  G.  P.  Pomeroy  of  New  London,  Conn.,  with  Capt.  Averill  L.  York  of 
this  city  as  fishing  master,  and  arrived  home  Oct.  14,  selling  her  fletched 
halibut  at  9  cts.  per  pound,  and  stocking  $5,500.  Sch.  Caleb  S.  Eaton, 
Capt.  John   S.   McQuin,  made  a  Greenland  trip  in  1869  and  again  in  1870. 

The  first  and  only  fishing  trip  to  Iceland  from  this  port  was  made  by 
Capt.  John  S.  McQuin,  in  sch.  Membrino  Chief,  \xv  1873. 

Sch.  Notice,  Capt.  Knud  Markuson,  made  a  mackerel-seining  trip  on  the 
coast  of  Norway,  in  1878. 

The  importation  of  fish  to  the  West  Indies  was  revived  by  Capt.  Charles 
A.  Homans  in  1878. 

Mackerel  catching  was  first  pursued  by  small  boats  about  1800.  The 
mode  of  catching  by  drifting  and  "throwing  bait"  did  not  become  general 
until  after  18 12.  The  jig  hook  was  invented  by  Mr.  Abraham  Lurvey  of 
Pigeon  Cove,  in  1816.  Fly  lines  did  not  come  into  use  until  about  1823. 
Bait  mills  were  not  used  until  1820,  when  they  were  made  of  nails  driven  in 
straight  lines  across  wooden  cylinders  and  then  sharpened.  The  first  bait 
mill  with  knives  was  made  by  Mr.  Gorham  Burnham  in  1822,  and  the  knives 
were  first  placed  in  spiral  form  in  1823.  The  first  trip  for  mackerel  to  cure 
was  made  by  sch.  President,  Capt.  Simeon  Burnham,  in  18 18.  Mackerel 
were  first  caught  on  Georges  in  1822,  by  Capt.  William  Marshall.  The  first 
mackereling  trip  from  Gloucester  to  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence  was  made  by 
Capt.  Charles  P.  Wood  in  sch.  Mariner,  in  1830.  Sch.  Eliza  Jane,  Capt. 
Stephen  Brown,  made  a  Bay  mackereling  trip  the  same  season,  and  two 
of  the  crew  who  made  the  trip,  Messrs.  John  Hodgkins  and  John  N.  Day 
of  Riverdale,  are  still  living.     Sch.  Clio,  of  East  Salisbury,  is  said  to  have 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK,  51 

made  a  similar  trip  in  1829.  The  first  trawl  was  made  and  set  across 
Brace's  Cove  in  1820,  by  Mr.  John  Rowe,  still  living  at  East  Gloucester  at 
the  age  of  75  years. 

The  Fishery  Clauses  of  the  Washington  Treaty  went  into  effect  July  1, 
1873  ;  notice  of  a  desire  to  terminate  their  provision  may  be  given  by  either 
side  after  July  1,  1883,  and  they  will  continue  in  force  two  years  after  such 
notice  is  given. 


Large  Fish, 

A  halibut  weighing  upwards  of  600  lbs.  is  said  to  have  been  taken  at  New 
Ledge,  60  miles  southeast  of  Portland,  Me.,  in  1807.  Twenty  years  later  a 
dead  halibut  was  picked  up  by  two  men  near  Damask  Cove,  at  Boothbay, 
Me.,  that  weighed  when  gutted  and  gilled,  with  head  on,  637  lbs.  This  is 
the  largest  halibut  of  which  we  have  any  record.  Dr.  Storer  mentions  one 
taken  off  the  South  Shore  three-quarters  of  a  century  ago,  which  weighed 
420  lbs.,  dressed ;  or  probably  500  lbs.  live  weight.  The  largest  halibut 
ever  landed  at  Gloucester  was  brought  in  from  Georges  by  sch.  Etta  E. 
Tanner,  in  188 1,  turning  the  scales  at  380  lbs. ;  it  was  purchased  by  Messrs. 
Stockbridge  &  Co.,  and  attracted  considerable  attention.  The  same  year 
sch.  Charles  Carroll  took  a  Georges  halibut  weighing  358  lbs. ;  in  187 1  sch. 
John  Dove  took  one  weighing  347  lbs.,  and  seven  halibut  taken  on  the 
trip  turned  the  scales  at  1,732  lbs.  The  largest  Bank  halibut  of  which 
we  have  any  knowledge  weighed  377  lbs.,  and  was  taken  by  sch.  Wachusett 
in  1880.  In  1877  sch.  City  of  Gloucester  took  a  Bank  halibut  weighing 
336  lbs.,  and  sch.  William  Thompson  one  weighing  296  lbs.  The  largest 
shore  halibut  on  record  was  taken  on  Poole's  Ledge,  about  six  miles  east- 
southeast  of  Thacher's  Island,  about  1873,  by  J.  B.  Goldsmith  and  Peter 
Leman,  two  Rockport  fishermen ;  it  was  as  wide  as  the  stern  place  of  the 
dory,  weighed  when  dressed  347  lbs.,  and  sold  for  $21.60.  In  1877  Mr. 
Elbridge  Gerry  took  off  Eastern  Point  a  halibut  weighing  320  lbs.     The 


52  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

smallest  halibut  of  which  we  have  heard  was  brought  in  by  a  Gloucester 
vessel  in  1880,  and  sent  by  mail  to  Mr.  E.  G.  Blackford,  the  fish  culturist, 
of  New  York;  its  weight  was  20  ounces. 

The  Portsmouth  fishermen  have  a  tradition  of  a  monster  codfish  caught  by 
Samuel  Haley,  of  Smutty  Nose  Island,  Isles  of  Shoals,  which  weighed  when 
dressed  and  dried  113  lbs.  In  1878  Capt.  George  H.  Martin  of  Gloucester 
took  off  Cape  Cod  a  codfish  weighing  1 1 1  lbs.  dressed,  and  the  next  year 
captured  one  in  Ipswich  Bay  which  measured  5  feet  2  inches  in  length  and 
weighed  90  lbs.  when  landed,  and  probably  100  lbs.  when  taken  from  the 
water.  In  1879  two  codfish  were  received  in  the  Portsmouth  market  each 
of  which  weighed  108  lbs.  Storer  speaks  of  a  codfish  taken  in  the  Spring 
of  1807  at  New  Ledge,  60  miles  southeast  of  Portland,  Me.,  which  weighed 
107  lbs.  The  New  York  "Journal''  of  April  3,  1793,  reports  a  codfish 
"lately  sold  in  the  Newburyport  market,"  which  was  5^  feet  in  length  and 
weighed  98  lbs.  One  of  97  lbs.  was  caught  off  Portsmouth  in  1827,  and 
one  of  94  lbs.,  "undressed,"  by  the  Swampscott  fishermen  in  1857.  In 
February,  1823,  the  Marblehead  fishermen  sent  to  John  Q.  Adams,  Secre- 
tary of  State,  frozen  with  great  care  and  packed  in  ice,  a  codfish  weighing 
84  lbs.  In  1881  the  sch.  Morrill  Boy,  Capt.  Russell  Gill,  took  on  one  trip 
net  fishing  319  codfish,  weighing  9,570  lbs.,  or  averaging  30  lbs.  each. 

A  lobster  38  inches  in  length  and  weighing  15  lbs.  was  taken  at  New 
Bedford  in  the  Fall  of  1881 ;  a  few  months  earlier  a  lobster  weighing  13  lbs. 
was  taken  at  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  and  sold  for  25  cents.  A  horse  mackerel 
weighing  545  lbs.  was  landed  at  Portland,  Me.,  in  the  Summer  of  1881.  A 
bass  weighing  79  lbs.  was  taken  near  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  in  August,  188 1 ; 
it  was  two  hours  from  the  time  it  was  hooked  before  it  was  landed,  in  a 
fourteen  foot  boat,  which  was  half  full  of  water  before  the  fish  was  secured. 
A  445  lb.  turtle  was  taken  in  the  weirs  at  Orleans,  Mass.,  in  August,  1881. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


53 


Gloucester  Harbor,  1830. 


Above  is  given  a  view  of  the  harbor  taken  from  off  the  beach  at  the  Cut 
in  1830,  which  will  be  readily  recognized  by  many  who  peruse  these  pages. 
The  old  windmill  which  then  occupied  a  position  where  the  Pavilion  Hotel 
now  stands,  was  for  many  years  an  important  landmark  in  entering  the 
harbor.  It  was  erected  in  1814  by  Mr.  Ignatius  Webber,  a  successful  ship- 
master, who  retired  from  seafaring  pursuits  in  1807,  and  for  three  years 
subsequently  was  connected  with  Messrs.  Aaron  and  Henry  Plumer  in  car- 
rying on  the  ropewalk  on  Western  avenue,  which  was  built  by  Capt.  Webber 
and  Aaron  Plumer  in  1803.  The  ropewalk  was  sold  at  auction  about  18 10 
to  Mr.  John  Somes,  Jr.,  for  $4,550.  The  windmill  was  removed  to  Com- 
mercial street,  near  the  Fort,  when  the  Pavilion  was  erected,  and  was  so 
badly  injured  by  fire  July  5th,  1877,  that  it  was  sold  and  removed.  The 
ropewalk  is  plainly  discernible  in  the  foreground,  and  many  a  fine  run,  when 
a  lad,  have  we  had  barefooted  over  its  smooth  floor.  There  are  many  no- 
ticeable changes  in  that  vicinity,  especially  on  the  hill,  which  now  shows 
some  very  handsome  dwelling  houses. 


54  FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK. 

U.  S.  Fish  Commission. 

SUMMER    HEADQUARTERS    IN    GLOUCESTER. 

The  Summer  of  1878  was  memorable  for  the  selection  of  this  city  as  the 
Summer  headquarters  of  the  U.  S.  Fish  Commission.  The  scientific  corps 
comprising  the  Commission  arrived  here  July  9,  Prof.  Baird  and  his  clerical 
force  taking  up  their  residence  at  the  Kirby  cottages  on  Western  avenue, 
and  a  large  building  on  Fort  Wharf  was  leased  for  an  office,  laboratory,  etc. 
The  laboratory  work  was  under  the  the  special  charge  of  Prof.  Goode  of  the 
Commission  and  Prof.  Verrill  of  Yale  College,  with  Dr.  Bean  and  Messrs. 
Richard  Rathburn  and  Warren  Upham  as  assistants.  On  the  18th  of  July 
the  steamer  Speedwell,  under  command  of  Captain  Beardslee,  arrived,  and 
from  that  time  until  Sept.  30,  with  a  brief  interruption  for  repairs  on  the 
steamer,  dredging  expeditions  were  made  off  the  coast,  Capt.  H.  C.  Ches- 
ter, formerly  of  the  Polaris,  having  charge  of  the  dredging  machinery. 
With  the  departure  of  the  Speedwell,  at  the  end  of  September,  the  regular 
Summer  work  of  the  Commission  was  practically  completed. 

Aside  from  the  investigations  pursued  by  the  scientists,  and  the  valuable 
collections  secured  on  the  dredging  expeditions,  the  visit  of  the  Fish  Com- 
mission to  Gloucester  served  to  create  an  interest  in  its  field  of  operations 
among  the  Gloucester  fishermen,  from  which  great  benefit  has  been  derived. 
Several  of  the  larger  fishing  vessels  were  provided  with  tanks  and  alcohol 
for  the  preservation  of  such  novel  specimens  as  might  be  brought  up  on 
their  lines  and  trawls,  and  a  lively  emulation  was  manifested  in  forwarding 
the  interests  of  the  Commission.  This  branch  of  the  work  was  continued 
after  the  departure  of  Prof.  Baird  and  his  corps,  the  numerous  contributions 
being  weekly  announced  in  the  columns  of  the  local  papers  until  the  middle 
of  November,  1880,  when  the  number  of  separate  contributions  had  reached 
924,  including  many  thousands  of  specimens,  of  which  a  very  large  number 
were  either  new  to  science,  very  rare,  or  hitherto  unheard  of  in  American 
waters. 

During  the  season  a  series  of  investigations  was  made  by  Dr.  W.  G.  Far- 
low,  as  to  the  cause  of  the  reddening  of  codfish  cured  in  Summer,  which 
renders  it  liable  to  decomposition  and  unfit  for  the  market.  After  a  full 
inquiry  Dr.  Farlow  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  trouble  was  occasioned 
by  a  minute  red  alga,  specimens  of  which  were  found  in  the  Cadiz  salt  used 
for  curing  fish,  and  in  accordance  with  his  recommendation  a  more  general 
use  has  since  been  made  of  Trapani  salt,  which  was  found  to  be  free  from 
this  alga. 

Through  the  efforts  of  Prof.  Baird,  Gloucester  was  made  a  storm  signal 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK.  55 

station,  during  the  Summer  of  1878,  and  the  warning  signals  have  proved 
of  great  advantage  to  mariners. 

On  the  25th  of  July  the  Tallapoosa  visited  Gloucester,  having  on  board 
the  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  Hon.  R.  W.  Thompson,  the  Chief  Naval  Con- 
structor, Chief  Engineer,  Paymaster  General,  and  other  naval  officers.  The 
steamer  remained  in  port  two  days,  the  visitors  making  a  4redging  trip  on 
the  Speedwell. 

One  of  the  most  valuable  results  at  the  Gloucester  station  was  the  dem- 
onstration of  the  fact  that  codfish,  haddock,  herring,  and  other  deep  sea  fish 
could  be  artificially  propagated  as  readily  as  shad,  whitefish,  and  other  deni- 
zens of  our  rivers  and  lakes.  Assistant  Commissioner  Milner,  Capt.  Ches- 
ter and  Messrs.  Frank  N.  Clark  and  Robert  E.  Hall  had  charge  of  the 
cod-hatching  experiments,  which  were  entered  upon  after  the  departure  of 
their  associates.  Various  devices  were  tried,  until  the  proper  conditions 
were  realized,  and  several  millions  of  codfish  were  hatched  out  and  turned 
into  the  harbor,  where  they  could  be  readily  observed  around  the  wharves 
the  following  Summer,  having  made  a  good  growth.  It  was  also  found  that 
herring,  haddock,  and  pollock  could  be  artificially  multiplied  at  will.  The 
results  of  the  experiments  were  all  that  could  have  been  expected,  and  much 
valuable  information  was  secured  that  will  be  of  great  advantage  if  the  work 
is  ever  attempted  on  a  large  scale. 

The  fish-hatching  establishment  was  broken  up  in  the  early  part  of  Janu- 
ary, 1879,  but  the  Commission  retained  its  laboratory  for  the  reception  and 
preparation  of  specimens  brought  in  by  Gloucester  fishing  vessels  until  the 
Summer  of  1881.  Mr.  Earle  remained  in  charge  of  the  work  in  1879,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Mr.  A.  Howard  Clark  in  1880.  Since  the  laboratory  was 
closed  in  1881,  Capt.  Stephen  J.  Martin  has  been  the  local  representative 
of  the  Commission,  keeping  a  record  of  fishing  arrivals  and  securing  other 
information  necessary  to  the  prosecution  of  its  work. 


Around  Cape  Ann. 


In  1606,  we  have  seen,  our  harbor  was  named  Le  Beau  Port,  and  sin- 
cerely. Harbors  differ  as  men  do.  Harbors  are  human  and  something  like 
women ;  they  have  their  own  times  for  dainty  and  delicate  attire.  To  know 
them,  you  must  study  them,  under  daylight,  under  twilight ;  at  sunrise  and 
sunset ;  under  the  full  harvest  moon  ;  at  low  tide  and  high  tide  ;  in  a  storm 
and  after  it  is  over ;  then  will  you  find  some  mood  to  admire,  new  beauty 
come  to  sight.  Our  harbor,  like  every  other,  sulks  sometimes,  one  must 
allow.     A  dog-day's  fog  has  hung  over  it,  or  wrung  itself  dry  into  it,  to-day. 


56  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Open  as  the  highway  to  all  farers,  many  kinds  of  craft  share  its  favor.  The 
deeply  laden  collier  with  its  sober  mien ;  the  lumber-coaster  with  her  deck- 
load  suggesting  the  heart  of  pine  forests  in  Maine ;  the  stranger  ship  with 
salt  from  Spain ;  the  sloop  or  schooner  yacht  with  every  grace  a  marvel  and 
every  line  a  picture, — those  lilies  of  the  sea,  which  toil  not,  neither  do  they 
spin ;  the  tug-boat  eying  every  sail  for  a  summons  ;  the  fisherman  with  her 
seine-boat  ready  for  action,  idle  after  toil ;  the  ferry-boat  going  her  way  so 
often  as  to  have  it  by  heart ;  the  light,  clumsy  wood-coaster  from  the  prov- 
inces, sturdily  maintaining  her  look  of  indifference  to  the  finer  company 
around  her ;  a  single  skiff  shooting  among  the  dories  and  boats ;  all  point- 
ing different  ways ;  some  with  sails  partly  set,  expectant ;  some  with  minds 
made  up,  their  anchors  resolutely  down,  and  all  either  grieving  or  sulking 
over  the  uncertain  weather.  One  hint  of  farewell  from  the  setting  sun,  and 
what  a  change !  The  somber  collier  and  coaster  look  careless  and  happy, 
and  the  yachts  share  the  gold  that  falls  upon  them  with  every  homely  sister, 
till  twilight  creeps  and  creeps  up  every  mast,  like  a  miser,  for  every  glint 
of  it.  The  woods  along  the  western  shore  grow  like  a  deepening  mystery. 
The  tide  is  down,  and  the  weed-hung  rocks  seem  darkly  to  desire  the  night. 
One  gleam  is  in  the  western  sky,  the  light  of  which  little  pools  of  tide  among 
the  rocks  sue  for  and  obtain,  by  some  bridge  unseen. 

To  see  the  summer  day  come  into  the  harbor,  one  must  rise  early.  The 
early  evening  most  men  know ;  but  the  early  morning — what  is  it?  How 
many  of  us  know  it  ?  How  many  love  it  ?  One  star  is  skipper  and  crew 
of  the  whole  heavens,  and,  weary  with  its  watch,  "  turns  in,"  not  curious  to 
see  what  the  day  is  like.  The  wind  is  sleeping.  A  boat  here  and  there 
puts  off  to  some  vessel.  "  Schooner  ahoy ! "  says  a  voice  from  the  shore, 
and  she  ahoys.  Sail  and  hull  and  rope  and  block  are  duplicated  in  the  tide 
below.  That  was  a  yawn  of  the  awaking  wind.  Notes  of  preparation 
deepen.  Sail  after  sail  is  swayed  up.  Anchors  break  their  hold ;  then 
comes  the  quickened  clink,  clink,  of  the  windlass ;  the  jib  is  hoisted,  and 
the  southwest  wind,  no  longer  napping,  fills  it  and  a  hundred  other  sails 
that  make  their  way  out  of  the  harbor  in  the  morning  sunlight,  to  and  fro. 

The  first  schooner-rigged  craft  that  ever  swam,  it  is  claimed,  was  built  by 
Andrew  Robinson,  in  17 13,  and  named  the  Schooner.  It  was  a  handy  craft 
for  rig,  but,  even  down  to  fifty  years  ago,  a  clumsy  body.  Cape  Ann  vessels 
are  mostly  built  at  Essex,  a  few  miles  from  Gloucester ;  up  a  river  or  crooked 
creek,  the  builders  construct  and  launch  their  faithful  work  for  all  sorts 
of  weather  to  try.  So  they  were  building  thirty  years  ago,  when  one,  more 
venturesome,  suddenly  departed  from  the  models  of  the  day,  sharpening  the 
bow  and  hollowing  the  run.  What  talk  among  the  fishermen !  Who  would 
go  in  her?     What  a of  a  rake!     What  a  sheer!     She  was  manned, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  57 

though  j  became  successful,  and  very  soon  others  were  on  the  stocks  modeled 
after  the  Romp,  the  pet  of  the  fleet. 

Six  sloops,  one  boat  and  one  shallop  composed  the  Cape  Ann  fleet  in 
1693  ;  now  it  has  nearly  five  hundred  sail,  of  almost  twenty-eight  thousand 
tons,  and  Gloucester  is  the  largest  fishing  port  in  the  land.  Its  fleet  is 
manned  by  men  of  every  clime.  A  tide  of  young  men,  mainly  from  the 
Provinces,  sets  steadily  toward  this  port.  Many  have  the  characteristic 
recklessness  of  the  sailor,  and  earnings  of  weeks  are  spent  between  sunset 
and  sunrise.  There  is  among  them  no  sailor  cut  of  clothes,  and  ashore  they 
follow  the  prevailing  fashions  down  to  lager  beer.  All  haunts  are  prepared 
for  Jack,  and  he  is  prepared  for  all  haunts.  As  in  all  other  callings  thrift 
follows  prudence  and  industry,  though  he  seems  to  lie  open  to  the  changes 
and  chances  of  luck.  You  will  see  his  cottage  commanding  the  finest  sea 
view,  for  on  the  heights  lie  the  cheapest  lots.  Alas !  that  the  waiting  wife 
can  look  harborward  on  every  coming  sail,  often  to  see  the  flag  "half-mast" 
— for  whom  ? 

Here  are  no  labor  strikes.  The  sailor  brings  in  a  fare  of  fish,  perhaps 
all  he  has  caught,  by  themselves ;  they  are  weighed  off,  the  vessel  is  put  to 
rights,  and  he  goes  up  to  the  counting-room  for  his  check.  The  whole  value 
of  the  fish  is  reckoned  by  the  vessel-owner  or  his  clerk ;  then  is  deducted 
cost  of  ice  and  bait  bought ;  then  one-quarter  of  one  per  cent,  for  the  Wid- 
ows' and  Orphans'  Fund ;  one-half  the  remainder  belongs  to  the  owner,  the 
other  to  him.  From  his  part  is  then  deducted  charges  for  wood-sawing  and 
splitting,  for  water,  medicine-chest,  condensed  milk,  and  any  charge  for  la- 
bor on  the  vessel  which  belonged  to  him  to  do,  but  which  has  been  hired 
done.  His  check  is  then  handed  him,  and  he  presents  it  in  person,  or  it 
finds  its  devious  way  to  the  bank  by  other — perhaps  not  cleaner — hands. 

One  of  the  most  exciting  scenes  imaginable  is  that  of  a  fleet  of  hundreds 
making  the  port  in  a  storm.  In  a  northeast  gale  they  must  beat  in.  All 
day  long,  by  twos  and  threes,  they  come.  It  is  luff,  bear  away,  or  tack  ship 
to  avoid  a  smash.  Crack,  snap,  goes  a  jib-boom  off.  Crack,  snap,  there 
is  one  main-boom  the  less.  Hoarse  voices  of  the  skippers  howl  in  entreaty 
or  command  above  the  howling  gale,  and  the  shore  is  lined  with  listening 
look ers-on . — ' '  Century  Magazine. ' ' 


5* 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK. 


Schooner  Sultana  Towed  by  a  Whale. 

On  the  1 6th  of  December,  1874,  while  schooner  Sultana,  Capt.  Peterson, 
of  this  port,  was  at  anchor  on  Grand  Bank,  there  was  a  sudden  motion 
felt  by  those  on  board  the  vessel,  and  it  was  evident  that  the  craft  was  being 
carried  through  the  water  by  some  unseen  and  unknown  motive  power. 
Looking  forward,  it  was  observed  that  the  cable  was  drawn  taut,  and  that 
some  "  monster  of  the  deep  "  was  attached  thereto,  and  drawing  the  vessel 
along  at  the  rate  of  twelve  knots  an  hour.  Soon  they,  obtained  positive 
evidence,  as  a  mammoth  whale  came  to  the  surface  to  blow,  having  the  an- 
chor of  the  vessel  either  hooked  into  his  jaw  or  blow-hole.  There  was  also 
another  whale  which  swam  near,  evidently  greatly  astonished  at  the  predic- 
ament of  his  companion.  The  men  on  board  of  the  dories,  which  had  just 
returned  from  visiting  their  trawls,  had  barely  time  to  make  fast  their  painter 
ere  the  vessel  started.  Another  dory,  with  two  men,  was  at  some  distance, 
also  visiting  their  trawls.  The  captain  stood  ready  with  axe  in  hand,  in 
case  of  emergency,  and  allowed  the  whale  to  tow  them  some  distance ;  but 
not  wishing  to  lose  sight  of  the  men  in  the  dory,  was  obliged  to  cut  the  ca- 
ble— otherwise  he  might  have  succeeded  in  capturing  the  whale.  Whether 
or  not  his  whaleship  succeeded  in  getting  rid  of  the  anchor  and  tow-line  is 
not  known,  as  no  account  has  yet  come  to  hand  of  his  being  fallen  in  with. 
It  was  rather  a  novel  method  of  being  towed.  We  have  heard  of  but  one 
similar  instance  among  the  fishing  fleet — that  of  sch.  C.  H.  Price  being  towed 
by  a  whale  a  day  and  a  half,  some  nine  years  ago,  while  on  Grand  Bank, 
when  the  fluke  of  the  anchor  broke  and  she  was  released.  The  above 
spirited  picture  gives  a  good  idea  of  the  Sultana  in  tow.  It  was  drawn  by 
Rory  McDonald,  steward  of  the  vessel. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  59 


Loss  of  the  Schooner  Henrietta  Greenleaf, 

Four  Men  Drowned  in  their  Berths — The  Remainder  of  the  Crew  Take  to 
their  Dories — Adrift  in  an  Open  Dory,  with  Scanty  Clothing,  amid  Sleet 
and  Cold,  without  Oars,  for  Forty- Five  Hours — The  Dories  Part  Company 
— One  Rescued  by  Sch.  Lizzie  K.  Clark — The  Other  Never  Heard  From. 

The  new  sch.  Henrietta  Greenleaf 'left  Gloucester  Thursday,  April  6,  1876, 
for  a  Grand  Bank  trip;  and  this  was  her  first  and  last  trip.  She  was  com- 
manded by  Capt.  William  H.  Greenleaf,  who  was  also  part  owner,  and  from 
him  we  obtained  the  following  particulars : 

On  Friday  night  was  to  the  southward  of  La  Have  Bank,  and  had  fine 
weather  with  a  six  knot  south-southwest  breeze.  The  watch  on  deck  were 
George  Olsen  and  Philip  McCloud,  and  the  remainder  of  the  men  were  be- 
low, asleep.  Shortly  before  three  o'clock  the  watch  called  all  hands  to 
handle  sail,  and  all  turned  out.  Capt.  Greenleaf  was  the  first  one  on  deck, 
and  when  he  took  the  wheel  the  vessel  was  masts  down  in  the  water.  The 
squall  was  the  most  terrific  he  ever  experienced,  and  came  so  suddenly  that 
there  was  no  escape  from  it.  All  hands  were  ordered  to  the  weather  side, 
and  the  rigging  was  at  once  cut  away  in  order  to  let  the  masts  break  off,  and 
thus  ease  the  vessel  j  but  of  no  avail,  and  it  was  evident  that  she  was  fast 
sinking,  and  if  they  would  save  their  lives  they  must  get  out  of  her  as  soon 
as  possible.  There  was  no  time  even  to  secure  oars,  water  or  food,  and  all 
the  men,  except  the  watch,  had  only  their  pants,  shirts  and  stockings  on. 
Thus  illy  provided,  they  proceeded  to  launch  the  dories,  when  it  was  found 
that  four  of  the  crew  were  missing,  and  these  had  been  drowned  in  their 
berths,  having  been  unable  to  reach  the  deck  on  account  of  the  deluge  of 
water  which  had  overtaken  them  in  their  attempt.  The  names  of  these  un- 
fortunate men  were  Franklin  Greenleaf,  brother  of  the  master,  25  years  of 
age;  Alfred  Short,  a  native  of  Olsenburg,  Norway,  who  had  followed  fishing 
from  this  port  several  years;  James  Peters,  of  Prospect,  N.  S.;  George 
Connors,  brother-in-law  of  Capt.  Greenleaf,  15  years  of  age. 

The  loss  of  these  men  threw  a  gloom  over  the  remainder  of  the  crew;  but 
there  was  no  time  for  repining ;  they  must  work  quickly,  and  at  about  half- 
past  three  they  left  the  vessel,  with  the  wind  blowing  hard  and  a  rough  sea 
running.  The  dories  kept  company  all  day  Saturday,  and  the  winds  were 
variable,  with  snow  squalls  and  cold,  biting  sleet,  which  made  their  situation 
extremely  uncomfortable,  and  they  suffered  greatly.  They  were  frequently 
wet  with  the  water  shipped  by  the  dories,  and  it  required  constant  effort 


60  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

with  a  bucket,  fortunately  on  board,  to  keep  them  free.  Having  no  oars, 
they  tore  the  railings  off  the  dories,  and  were  also  fortunate  enough  to  pick 
up  the  vessel's  wheel-box,  which  they  made  paddles  of,  and  by  dint  of  al- 
most superhuman  exertions,  were  enabled  to  keep  their  frail  crafts  afloat. 
At  eight  o'clock,  Saturday  evening,  the  dories  parted  company,  being  unable 
to  keep  together  any  longer.  The  wind  was  then  blowing  strong  from 
north-northwest,  and  continued  until  Sunday  noon,  when  it  moderated  grad- 
ually until  evening.  At  five  in  the  afternoon,  Freeman  Crawford,  one  of  the 
men,  succumbed  to  the  terrible  fatigue  and  died,  and  his  companions  felt 
that  if  not  soon  rescued,  they  too  must  soon  follow  him.  He  was  a  native 
of  Westport,  Maine,  25  years  of  age. 

Shortly  after  midnight,  through  the  dim  hazy  light,  they  saw  a  sail  draw- 
ing near.  They  succeeded  in  attracting  attention,  and  the  vessel  proved 
the  Lizzie  K.  Clark,  Capt.  Thomas  Hodgdon,  of  this  port.  It  was  but  the 
work  of  a  few  moments  for  the  captain  and  his  crew  to  respond  to  the  cries 
of  distress,  which  were  borne  upon  their  ears  in  the  midnight,  and  imagine 
their  surprise  when  they  learned  that  the  sufferers  were  their  own  acquaint- 
ances. With  kindly  care  they  lifted  their  poor  suffering  shipmates  on  board 
the  vessel  and  did  everything  possible  for  men  to  do  for  their  comfort.  The 
Clark  laid  to  until  daylight,  in  hopes  to  pick  up  the  other  dory,  but  was  un- 
successful, and  Capt.  Hodgdon  cruised  all  day  Monday,  leaving  no  efforts 
untried  in  order  to  save  his  brother  fishermen ;  but  all  to  no  avail,  and  the 
condition  of  the -rescued  men  being  such  as  to  require  medical  skill,  he  sailed 
for  Halifax,  where  he  arrived  on  Tuesday.  Here  the  men  were  the  recipi- 
ents of  every  attention ;  money,  clothing  and  kind  words  were  freely  offered, 
and  the  American  Consul,  Judge  Jackson,  was  indefatigable  in  his  efforts  to 
benefit  them.  Capt.  Bennett  of  the  steamer  Chase  offered  them  a  free 
pass  to  Portland,  and  was  unremitting  in  his  attentions.  Capt.  Merrill  of 
the  Boston  &  Maine  Railroad  also  passed  them  over  his  road  to  Boston,  and 
all  whom  they  met  showed  none  but  kindly  feelings.  The  body  of  Crawford 
was  taken  on  shore  and  buried. 

The  names  of  the  men  rescued  were  Capt.  Greenleaf,  Lawrence  Hardi- 
man,  Philip  McCloud,  George  Olsen  and  Charles  Cook.  Those  in  the  other 
dory,  which  was  never  heard  from,  were  Joseph  Gardner,  Liverpool,  N.  S., 
29  years  of  age ;  George  Rowe,  East  Gloucester,  28  years ;  Bernard  Jewett, 
Westport,  27  years;  Charles  Pattie,  Westport,  and  John  S.  Tobbie  of  Nor- 
way, 28  years. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  61 


Gill-Net  Codfishing  in  Ipswich  Bay, 

The  Winter  of  1880-8 1  will  be  memorable  in  local  fishing  annals  as  wit- 
nessing the  first  successful  attempt  at  net-fishing  for  cod  in  our  waters,  a 
method  that  promises  to  make  as  marked  a  change  in  the  shore  fishery  as 
was  wrought  by  the  introduction  of  trawl  fishing  a  few  years  previously. 
This  method  of  fishing  has  long  been  followed  by  the  Newfoundland  fisher- 
men, and  it  is  said  that  the  Norwegians  take  half  the  number  and  two-thirds 
the  weight  of  their  immense  catch  of  codfish  in  this  manner. 

Impressed  with  the  importance  of  the  saving  made  in  the  cost  of  bait,  and 
of  time  consumed  in  procuring  bait,  Prof.  Baird  decided  in  the  Summer  of 
1878,  when  the  Summer  quarters  of  the  Fish  Commission  were  located  in 
Gloucester,  to  experiment  as  to  the  practicability  of  introducing  the  Norwe- 
gian methods  in  our  waters.  Accordingly,  he  procured  a  set  of  Norwegian 
gill  nets,  which  attracted  considerable  attention  at  the  laboratory  of  the 
Commission  at  Fort  Wharf,  from  their  novel  construction  and  curious  glass 
floats.  When  the  Winter  school  of  codfish  set  in,  in  the  Fall  of  1878,  exper- 
iments were  made  with  these  nets  on  the  "Old  Man's  Pasture,"  but  it  was 
found  that  the  nets  were  too  frail  for  the  large  cod  which  frequent  our  coast 
in  Winter,  and  for  the  strong  current  and  rocky  bottom  along  our  shores. 
The  result  of  the  experiment,  however,  was  such  as  to  indicate  that  net- 
fishing  might  be  made  practicable,  with  properly  constructed  nets,  and 
Prof.  Baird  continued  his  investigation  of  the  method,  and  on  the  occasion 
of  the  International  Fisheries  Exhibit  at  Berlin  in  the  Spring  of  1880  dele- 
gated Capt  Joseph  W.  Collins  of  Gloucester  to  make  a  careful  study  of  the 
European  methods  of  deep  sea  fishing,  the  result  of  which  has  been  pub- 
lished by  the  Government  for  the  information  of  the  American  fishermen. 
Meanwhile  the  Norwegian  seines  remained  at  the  Gloucester  headquarters 
of  the  Fish  Commission,  with  the  understanding  that  they  were  at  the  ser- 
vice of  any  responsible  master  who  desired  to  experiment  with  them. 

In  the  Fall  of  1880  the  scarcity  of  bait  interfered  with  the  successful  pros- 
ecution of  the  shore  fishery,  and  at  the  suggestion  of  Capt.  Stephen  J.  Mar- 
tin, an  attache  of  the  Commission,  his  son,  Capt.  George  H.  Martin,  decided 
to  make  a  trial  of  net  fishing  in  the  schooner  Northern  Eagle  of  Gloucester. 
Securing  the  nets  belonging  to  the  Commission,  and  procuring  others  of 
improved  construction,  the  Northern  Eagle  made  a  thorough  trial  of  this 
method  of  fishing  for  shore  cod  in  Ipswich  Bay  in  the  Winter  of  1880-81, 
with  such  success  that  before  the  season  closed  quite  a  number  of  the  shore 
fleet  provided  themselves  with  similar  outfits.  The  Northern  Eagle  was 
supplied  with  three  dories,  each  requiring  three  nets,  which  were  set  at  night 


62  FISHEEMENS  OWN  BOOK. 

and  hauled  the  next  morning.  The  experiment  proved  a  success  from  the 
start.  For  the  first  three  nights  the  catch  was  4,000,  6,000  and  7,000  lbs. 
respectively,  although  the  weather  was  unfavorable  and  the  trawl  fishermen 
were  securing  only  about  half  the  amount  taken  by  the  Northern  Eagle.  In 
eight  days'  fishing  this  schooner  took  40,000  lbs.  of  large  fish,  and  on  one 
trip,  ending  Jan.  11,  1881,  she  took  a  fare  of  35,000  lbs.,  of  which  8,000 
lbs.  were  taken  in  one  morning.  Two  trawlers,  absent  the  same  length  of 
time,  took  4,000  and  8,000  lbs.  respectively.  The  next  trip  she  was  absent 
four  days  and  took  35,000  lbs.,  of  which  over  one-half  were  caught  in  a  sin- 
gle day.*  From  Nov.  27,  1880,  to  Jan.  20,  1881,  Capt.  Martin  took  110,000 
lbs.  cod,  none  of  the  trawlers  exceeding  one-third  of  that  amount  in  the 
same  time.  Later  in  the  season  three  netters  arrived  at  Portsmouth  in  one 
day,  one  with  28,000  lbs.  and  the  others  with  10,000  lbs.  each  of  large  cod- 
fish, while  the  trawlers  had  much  smaller  fares.  Another  day  sch.  Defiance 
took  with  her  nets  12,000  lbs.  steak  codfish,  and  was  high  line  of  a  fleet  of 
twenty-seven  vessels,  one  with  twenty  trawls  out  securing  only  fourteen  fish, 
another  800  lbs.,  and  a  number  of  others  not  exceeding  2,000  lbs.  each. 

The  nets  used  by  the  Ipswich  Bay  fishermen  are  made  of  strong  Scotch 
flax  twine,  twelve-thread,  and  are  of  nine-inch  mesh  (4^  inches  square). 
Those  used  by  Capt.  Martin  were  50  fathoms  long  and  3  fathoms  deep,  while 
other  vessels,  later  in  the  season,  used  nets  100  fathoms  long  and  2  fathoms 
deep.  The  floats  were  of  glass,  fifty  of  them  being  attached  to  a  fifty-fathom 
net.  Bricks  were  used  as  sinkers,  one  being  attached  to  the  foot  of  the  net 
directly  beneath  each  of  the  floats.  These  fifty-fathom  nets  cost  about  $18 
each,  and  a  fourteen-pound  trawl-anchor  was  attached  to  each  end  of  a  gang 
of  three  nets.  They  were  mostly  set  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Bay,  but  a 
few  miles  from  shore,  where  the  current  was  not  strong,  one  man  in  a  dory 
being  able  to  set  or  "underrun"  three  nets,  fastened  together  at  the  top  and 
bottom. 

The  advantages  of  this  method  are  found  in  the  larger  size  of  the  fish 
taken,  the  saving  in  the  cost  of  bait,  the  saving  of  the  labor  required  to  bait 
trawls,  etc.  Capt.  Collins  is  of  the  opinion  that  this  method  may  be  profita- 
bly employed  on  the  Grand  and  Western  Banks  and  Banquereau,  especially 
on  the  shoaler  parts  of  these  grounds,  where  the  nets  could  be  easily  "under- 
run."  This  would  obviate  the  necessity  of  leaving  the  Bank  before  a  fare 
had  been  secured,  as  is  frequently  done,  to  procure  a  fresh  supply  of  bait. 

We  present  four  plates  illustrating  the  methods  of  gill-net  codfishing: 

Plate  V  shows  the  Norwegian  method  of  setting  the  nets  at  the  bottom  of 
the  sea,  1  being  the  nets,  2  the  rocks  used  for  mooring,  3  the  buoy,  4  the 
buoy-line,  5  glass  floats  attached  to  the  buoy-line  to  keep  the  slack  from 

*Onthis  day  sch.  Christie  Campbell  of  Portsmouth  set  ten  trawls  of  1,000  hooks  each 
close  to  the  nets,  and  caught  about  2,000  lbs.  of  fish  to  the  18,000  lbs.  taken  in  the  nets. 


PLATE  V. 


PLATE  XL 


PLATE  XII. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  63 

sinking  when  there  is  no  current,  and  6  the  watch-floats,  to  show  the  posi- 
tion of  the  buoy  when  it  is  drawn  under  the  water  by  the  tide. 

Plate  VI  shows  the  manner  in  which  the  nets  are  set  at  different  depths 
to  ascertain  where  the  fish  may  be  found,  1  being  the  nets,  2  the  foot-lines 
holding  the  nets  to  the  bottom,  3  the  stone  moorings,  4  the  buoy-line,  and 
5  the  Vpuoy. 

Plate  XI  shows  the  way  in  which  the  gill-nets  were  set  for  underrunning 
in  Ipswich  Bay.  1  is  the  end  of  a  gang  of  nets,  2  the  anchor  or  underrun- 
ning line,  3  the  anchor,  4  the  buoy-line,  5  the  buoy. 

In  plate  XII  the  fishermen  may  be  seen  in  their  dories  underrunning  the 
nets.  By  this  process  one  man  can  secure  the  catch  of  a  gang  of  nets,  for 
which  work  an  entire  boat's  crew  of  six  or  eight  men  is  required  in  the  Nor- 
wegian fishery.  Under  favorable  circumstances  one  man  can  set  a  gang 
of  nets  by  letting  the  boat  drift  with  the  wind  or  tide  and  throwing  them 
over  as  it  moves  along,  but  as  a  general  rule  two  men  can  accomplish  this 
much  better. 

When  setting  for  underrunning  the  anchor  is  first  thrown  over  and  25 
fathoms  of  line  paid  out,  when  the  buoy-line  is  bent  to  it.  The  buoy  and 
line  are  then  thrown  over,  with  the  remainder  of  the  anchor  line,  the  end  of 
the  latter  being  made  fast  to  the  nets,  which  are  the  next  to  follow.  A  mid- 
dle buoy  is  attached  to  the  center  of  the  gang.  When  the  nets  are  all  out 
the  other  anchor-line,  with  the  buoy-line  attached,  is  paid  out,  and  last  of 
all  the  anchor  is  thrown  over.  In  underruning,  the  fisherman  goes  to  one 
of  the  buoys  on  the  end  of  his  gang  of  nets,  takes  it  in  his  dory,  and  throws 
it  out  on  the  other  side,  hauls  in  the  buoy-line,  allowing  it  to  run  out  on  the 
other  side,  and  when  the  anchor  or  underrunning  line  is  reached,  takes  it 
across  the  dory  and  hauls  along  towards  the  nets.  These  are  underrun  by 
pulling  them  in  one  side  of  the  dory,  as  seen  in  plate  XII,  removing  the 
fish,  and  allowing  the  nets  to  pass  over  the  other  side  into  the  water,  the 
anchors,  which  are  not  disturbed,  holding  them  in  position  until  the  work  is 
accomplished. 


64  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


A  Day  at  the  Beach. 

The  spirited  illustration  on  the  opposite  page  tells  its  own  story,  and  the 
scene  is  an  extremely  pleasant  one  to  gaze  upon.  Many  who  will  peruse 
the  "Fishermen's  Own  Book"  will  readily  call  to  mind  such  a  festive  occa- 
sion, in  which  they  were  among  the  happy  participants,  either  at  Coffin's 
Beach,  Good  Harbor  Beach,  Half  Moon,  or  Niles'.  The  first-named  is  a 
favorite  of  ours,  and  where  we  have  passed  many  pleasant  hours  of  Summer. 

Starting  from  town  in  a  sail-boat  similar  to  that  delineated  in  the  picture, 
it  proves  a  most  delightful  trip  to  sail  across  the  harbor,  go  through  the 
canal  at  the  Cut,  then  follow  on  until  the  draw  at  the  railroad  bridge  allows 
a  safe  transit,  and  from  thence  sail  down  the  Annisquam  River,  past  cozy 
Summer  houses  and  white  tents— the  homes  of  the  merry  campers,  who 
joyfully  greet  us  as  we  sail  along.  With  a  fair  tide  and  good  breeze  the 
passage  is  quickly  made,  and  we  run  into  Ipswich  Bay,  coming  to  anchor  off 
the  long  white  beach,  which  is  so  inviting  that  one  longs  to  wade  into  the 
waters  which  lave  the  shore  and  run  over  the  smooth  sandy  surface  spread 
out  for  miles.  The  scene  is  one  of  enchanting  beauty — the  wide  expanse 
of  water  in  the  foreground,  with  the  white  sails  dancing  up  and  down  with 
the  billows,  and  the  hillsides  dotted  with  Summer  houses — that  belonging  to 
Mr.  George  J.  Marsh,  so  charmingly  attractive,  commanding  particular  no- 
tice, sitting  as  it  does  on  the  very  edge  of  the  water,  with  its  solid  rocky 
foundations,  its  cool  and  cozy  verandas,  and  its  hospitable  and  restful  ap- 
pearance. 

But  let  us  return  to  our  party.  We  must  get  them  ashore,  just  as  in  the 
picture.  The  boys  are  wild  with  delight,  and  the  girls  not  much  better. 
See  how  one  waves  his  hat  as  he  stands  with  his  trousers  stripped  up.  He 
is  impatient  for  the  party  in  the  boat  to  land  and  join  him  in  his  sports. 
One  youngster  is  fanning  the  fire  with  his  hat,  while  another  is  tugging 
some  wood  to  keep  the  blaze  agoing.  The  four  girls  will  have  to  be  brought 
ashore  in  the  young  man's  arms — and  they  are  not  at  all  averse  to  such  a 
landing.  The  old  lobster-trap  on  the  sand  looks  natural,  and  the  dinner 
pot,  kettle  and  basket  are  suggestive  of  the  chowder  and  lunch  a  little  later. 
The  fishing  and  rambling,  not  forgetting  the  visit  to  the  sand  dunes,  the 
bathing,  wading,  sailing,  and  that  dinner,  with  the  prodigious  appetites,  are 
among  the  pleasing  episodes  of  the  day,  and  when  twilight  gathers,  once 
more  the  boat  is  entered,  and  with  a  fair  tide  and  light  breeze  she  skims 
homeward  amid  song  and  mirth  from  the  party  who  have  thus  spent  a  de- 
lightful Summer  day  at  the  beach. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  J100K. 


65 


66  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


%rx  ISUernorxctm, 


List  of  Lost  Men  and  Vessels  of  the  Port 

of  Gloucester,  from  1874  to  1881, 

Inclusive; 

Also,  a  Table  of  Losses  from  1830  to  1881, 

Inclusive, 

Covering  a  Period  of  Fifty-Two  Years, 


The  "Fishermen's  Memorial  and  Record  Book"  contains  a  detailed  re- 
port of  the  losses  of  vessels  and  mariners  belonging  to  this  port  from  1830 
to  1873  inclusive.  In  addition  to  the  losses  of  1863,  published  therein, 
there  was  one  vessel  which  was  not  recorded,  the  sch.  SUCCESS,  Capt. 
William  H.  Parsons,  lost  in  the  mackerel  fishery  on  the  Nova  Scotia  shore. 
She  was  owned  by  Mr.  David  G.  Allen,  47  tons,  and  valued  at  $2,500;  in- 
sured for  $1,200  in  the  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance  Co.  Crew 
saved. 

Herewith  we  present  a  list  of  the  losses  since  1873,  completing  the  record 
for  fifty-two  years  past.  In  that  time  419  Gloucester  vessels,  of  the  value 
of  $1,810,710,  and  insured  for  $1,355,418,  have  been  lost,  and  2,249  Glouc- 
ester mariners  have  perished  at  sea,  making  the  average  annual  loss  8  ves- 
sels and  43  lives. 

1874. 

Total  loss,  10  vessels  and  68  lives.  Lost  tonnage,  633.17.  Value,  $49,- 
100.  Insurance,  $44,975.  Eighteen  of  the  lost  seamen  left  widows,  and 
children  to  the  number  of  37.  2  vessels  were  lost  in  the  Newfoundland 
fishery,  4  in  the  Grand  Bank  fishery,  1  on  Western  Bank,  1  in  the  Shore 
Winter  fishery,  1  in  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence,  and  1  in  the  Menhaden  fishery. 
Only  2  lives  were  lost  in  the  Georges  fishery  this  year. 

Sch.  LAURA  A.  DODD,  94.36  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  lost  on 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  67 

Miquelon  Island,  in  February,  on  the  passage  to  Newfoundland.     Crew 
saved.     Value,  $7,000  ;  insurance,  $6,000. 

Sch.  MARY  G.  DENNIS,  68  tons,  owned  by  Dennis  &  Ayer  and  Capt. 
Randall  McDonald,  lost  in  Long  Island  Sound  on  the  passage  from  New- 
foundland for  New  York.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $6,500;  insurance,  $5,000. 

Sch.  B.  H.  SMITH,  65.26  tons,  owned  by  Clark  &  Somes,  lost  on  Grand 
Bank  Feb.  11.  Value,  $7,000;  insurance,  $6,000.  Crew  list — Charles 
Johnson,  master ;  David  Anderson,  Matthew  Walker,  Lewis  Dickson,  Chas. 
Jackson,  Samuel  Johnson,  John  Carroll,  Robert  Nelson,  Samuel  Peterson, 
John  Nelson,  Josiah  Howard,  and  one  man  name  unknown. 

Sch.  JOHN  CORLISS,  72.54  tons,  owned  by  Walen  &  Allen,  lost  near 
Barrington,  N.  S.,  on  the  passage  home  from  Grand  Bank,  March  17.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $6,200;  insurance,  $5,800. 

Sch.  ROBERT  BRUCE,  44  tons,  owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons,  lost 
at  Cape  La  Have  Nov.  12,  on  the  passage  home  from  Grand  Bank.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $2,000;  insurance,  $1,750. 

Sch.  G.  G.  KIDDER,  66.32  tons,  owned  by  Leonard  Walen,  lost  on 
Grand  Bank  in  November.  Value,  $5,200 ;  insurance,  $4,550.  Crew  list — 
Thomas  Downie,  master ;  Luke  White  and  his  son  Thomas,  John  Coolin, 
James  Merchant,  William  Jackson,  John  Vickary,  John  Smith,  George  Beat- 
tis,  John  McDonald,  James  McDonald,  Rory  J.  McDonald,  Allan  Mehlman. 

Sch.  WHITE  FAWN,  64.49  tons>  owned  by  George  Friend  &  Co.,  lost 
on  Western  Bank  in  March.  Value,  $6,100;  insurance,  $5,400.  Crew  list 
— Daniel  Nickerson,  master;  Mark  Haskell,  Henry  Perry,  Benjamin  A. 
Gray,  Woodbury  Nickerson,  Asa  R.  Nickerson,  Walter  Hopps,  George  Gray, 
Henry  C.  Murphy,  James  Murray,  Thomas  Monroe,  David  Commiskey. 

Sch.  WESTERN  LIGHT,  20.53  tons,- owned  by  Peter  Bolter,  engaged 
in  the  Winter  shore  fishery,  lost  on  the  Maine  coast  in  January.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $600  ;  uninsured. 

Sch.  CARRIE  FRANCES,  88.67  tons>  owned  by  James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro.. 
engaged  in  Bay  St.  Lawrence  mackerel  fishery,  lost  on  Malpec  bar  Aug.  6, 
Crew  saved.     Value,  $7,500;  insurance;  $6,000. 

Sch.  SARAH  M.  SAUNDERS,  50  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  en- 
gaged in  the  menhaden  fishery,  sunk  off  Dennisport  May  20.    Value,  $1,000 
insurance,  $875. 

Lost  Overboard. — Gamaliel  Swain  from  sch.  Shilok,  and  Capt.  Neil  Mc- 
Kenzie  and  John  D2V0I1  from  sch.  George  B.  Loring,  on  Grand  Bank,  Nov. 
8.  Archibald  Kennedy  from  sch.  Fitz  J.  Babson,  Jan.  11,  and  John  Carpen- 
ter from  sch.  Ocean  Belle,  Feb.  10,  on  Western  Bank.  Alexander  McDon- 
ald from  sch.  Ocean  us,  Nov.  21,  and  Charles  McDonald  from  sch.  Enola  C, 
Dec.  15,  in  the  Winter  shore  fishery.  Frederic  Rhodes  from  sch.  Fred  F. 
Frye'va  Gloucester  harbor,  Oct.  17,  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery.     George 


68  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

M.  Bryant  from  sch.  Hattie  B.  West,  March  13,  and  Joseph  H.  Bird  from 
sch.  Express,  Nov.  23,  on  Georges. 

Lost  in  Dories. — Patrick  Lynch  and  James  Mcintosh  from  sch.y^  F. 
Allen,  Jan.  20;  Michael  McDonald  and  Harvey  Whitman  from  sch.  Carrie 
P.  Morton,  June  13 ;  Capt.  Henry  Crowell  and  Rufus  Spinney  from  sch. 
William  V.  Hutehings,  in  October  j  Charles  Lennox  from  sch.  Herewardy 
Aug.  15  ;  John  Hanley  and  Stuart  Hadley  from  sch.  Everett  Steele,  Dec.  8  ; 
Benjamin  Griffiths  and  Neil  McLane  from  sch.  Clara  B.  Chapman,  Sept. 
14;  all  on  Grand  Bank.  David  Henderson  from  sch.  Edward  A.  Horton, 
Feb.  26 ;  Hiram  Saunderson  and  Harry  Anderson  from  sch.  Notice,  April 
17;  Murdoch  Martell  and  Thomas  White  from  sch.  C.  B.  Manning,  May 
30  ;.  Alonzo  Roberts  from  sch.  Sarah  C.  Pyle,  April  20;  William  Phalen 
and  Michael  Boudrout  from  sch.  Mary  Louisa,  in  May ;  Charles  McPherson 
and  Charles  Keefe  from  sch.  Morning  Star,  Aug.  5  ;  all  on  Western  Bank. 

1875. 

16  vessels  and  123  lives  were  lost  this  year.  The  loss  of  tonnage  was 
1,050.91.  Value  of  vessels  lost,  $88,500.  Insurance,  $81,726.  10  vessels 
and  91  men  were  lost  in  the  Grand  and  Western  Bank  fisheries,  5  vessels 
and  27  lives  in  the  Georges  fishery,  1  vessel  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  4  lives 
in  the  shore  fishery  and  1  in  the  herring  trade. 

Sch.  DAVID  BURNHAM,  2D,  64.57  tons,  owned  by  Brainard  Low  & 
Co.,  lost  on  the  Banks  in  January.  Value,  $5,600  j  insurance,  $5,000  on 
vessel  and  outfits.  Crew  list — Alfred  Daggett,  master ;  William  L.  Reeves, 
L.  H.  Hawson,  Patrick  Powers,  James  A.  Bushey,  Frederic  Lindsay,  George 
W.  Stuart,  Archibald  McDonald,  William  Coolin,  Michael  Curtiss,  Peter 
H.  Miller,  Charles  Wilson. 

Sch.  JOSEPH  CHANDLER,  69.94  tons,  owned  by  Leonard  Walen,  lost 
on  the  Banks  in  January.  Value,  $6,000 ;  insurance,  $6,050  on  vessel  and 
outfits.  Crew  list — Frank  McRae,  master  ;  Charles  Gunnison,  Hugh  Ken- 
nedy, F.  A.  Beaton,  Daniel  McDonald,  Joel  McCaleb,  Charles  Anderson, 
Allan  McMullen,  Alex.  Campbell,  Henry  Mosier,  James  McDonald,  Duncan 
Mclntire. 

Sch.  SARAH  H.  CRESSY,  63.03  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  lost 
on  the  Banks  in  February.  Value,  $4,600;  insurance,  $4,525  on  vessel  and 
outfits.  Crew  list — Daniel  McFadden,  master  j  Allen  McKinnon,  William 
Freeman,  Thomas  Joy,  Calvin  McPhail,  K.  J.  McKenzie,  Charles  F.  Sin- 
clair, Samuel  McLean,  Malcom  Morrison,  Alex.  Grant,  John  Maguire,  John 
Kelly. 

Sch.  J.  C.  CALL,  78.42  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  lost  on  the  pas- 
sage to  the  Banks  in  February.  Value,  $8,800;  insurance,  $7,700.  Crew 
list— Robert  S.  Baker,  master ;  Martin  Madison,  Pius  McPhee,  David  Dum- 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK,  69 

phy,  Joseph  Bouchy,  Hendrick  Jensen,  John  Donovan,  Andrew  Peterson, 
Anthony  Cash,  Henry  O'Neil,  Richard  Bramble,  Christian  Peterson. 

Sch.  PHARSALIA,  76.96  tons,  owned  by  George  Steele,  lost  on  the 
Banks  in  November.  Value,  $12,000;  insurance,  $10,000.  Crew  list — 
Samuel  A.  Keene,  master ;  A.  W.  Getner,  J.  Peterson,  M.  Johnson,  Oscar 
Wilson,  Charles  Smith,  Martin  Peterson,  Theodore  Reed,  Louis  L.  Baile, 
John  Lewis,  Howard  Steele,  John  W.  Strahan. 

Sch.  BLOOMINGDALE,  59.67  tons,  owned  by  Walen  &  Allen  and  em- 
ployed in  the  Bank  fishery,  lost  at  Cape  Breton,  June  n.  Crew  saved. 
Value,  $2,500;  insurance,  $2,188,  with  $800  additional  on  outfits. 

Sch.  MONADNOCK,  74.49  tons,  owned  by  Poole  &  Cunningham,  lost  at 
Magdalen  Islands  in  June.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $7,900 ;  insurance,  with 
outfits,  $8,000. 

Sch.  HATTIE  M.  LYONS,  66  70  tons,  owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson, 
lost  in  Bank  fishery  at  Cape  Breton,  Aug.  19.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $4,900 ; 
insurance,  $4,200,  with  $800  on  outfits. 

Sch.  JOHN  W.  DODGE,  83.07  tons,  owned  by  James  A.  Stetson,  lost 
near  Yarmouth,  N.  S.,  on  the  passage  home  from  the  Banks,  Nov.  6.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $3,000  ;  insurance,  $2,200. 

Sch.  ABBY  M.  HEATH,  58.98  tons,  owned  by  Poole  &  Cunningham,, 
abandoned  on  the  homeward  passage  from  the  Banks  in  December.  Value, 
$4,500;  insurance,  $2,875. 

Sch.  WILLIAM  H.  THURSTON,  54.58  tons,  owned  by  David  Low  & 
Co.,  employed  in  Georges  fishery,  lost  on  Gull  Island,  N.  S.,  in  February.. 
Crew  saved.     Value,  $3,000  ;  insurance,  $2,500. 

Sch.  J.  O.  FRIEND,  Jr.,  59  81  tons,  owned  by  Sayward  Brothers,  run. 
down  and  sunk  on  Georges,  May  5.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $5,000;  insur- 
ance, $4,375  on  vessel  and  $400  on  outfits. 

Sch.  MONTANA,  62.75  tons>  owned  by  Rowe-&  Jordan,  employed  in 
Georges  fishery,  lost  near  Cape  St.  Mary's,  May  10.  Value,  $4,800;  insur- 
ance, $4,275,  with  $400  on  outfits. 

Sch.  H.  B.  STANWOOD,  63.83  tons,  owned  by  Pettingell  &  Cunning- 
ham, lost  on  Georges  in  March.  Value,  $4,900 ;  insurance,  $4,300.  Crew 
list — Lauchlin  McLean,  master ;  Samuel  Erickson,  David  Wooster,  Albert 
Faulk,  James  McLean,  Daniel  A.  McLeod,  John  McKay,  James  McKenzie,, 
Charles  McLean,  Norman  McLean,  Neil  McDonald,  Daniel  McLeod. 

Sch.  WILLIAM  C.  ENDICOTT,  61.21  tons,  owned  by  William  C.  Won- 
son,  lost  on  Georges  in  March.  Value,  $5,000  ;  insurance,  including  outfits, 
$4,863.  Crew  list — John  Jones,  master;  Frederic  Smith,  James  Johnson, 
C.  Gunderson,  E.  Hamlin,  Frank  Nelson,  Andrew  Johnson,  Peter  Olsen, 
James  Mahar,  John  Perow. 

Sch.  BELLE  OF  THE  BAY,  52.90  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  en> 


70  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

ployed  in  the  Southern  mackerel  fishery,  run  down  and  sunk  off  Block  Isl- 
and, June  7.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $6,000 ;  insurance,  $4,875. 

Lost  Overboard,  etc. — The  following  persons  were  lost  overboard  on 
Georges :  James  Haynes  from  sch.  Mary  E.  Daniels,  March  3 ;  Edmund 
Coolin  from  sch.  B.  F.  Somes,  March  4 ;  John  Wilson  from  sch.  Etta  Gott, 
April  19;  Michael  Pender  from  sch.  Finance,  May  14;  Harrison  T.  Clark 
from  sch.  John  Q.  Adams,  in  October. 

August  Anderson  from  sch.  El  Dorado,  on  Middle  Bank,  March  16  \  Mi- 
chael Shea  from  sch.  Elisha  Crowell,  in  Provincetown  harbor,  Oct.  28  ; 
Charles  Anderson  from  sch.  C.  P.  Thompson,  on  the  passage  to  Fortune 
Bay. 

.  The  following  persons  were  lost  in  the  Bank  fishery,  most  of  them  while 
out  in  dories  to  visit  their  trawls :  Angus  Harrigan  and  William  Edwards 
from  sch.  William  Parsons,  2d,  Jan.  15  ;  Rory  McDonald  from  sch.  Knight 
Templar,  Jan.  17  ;  Pierce  Howard  from  sch.  El  Do?-ado,  Feb.  14;  William 
H.  Smith  from  sch.  William  A.  Pew,  in  Liverpool  (N.  S.)  harbor,  in  Febru- 
ary; Blanchard  Campbell  from  sch.  N.  H.  Phillips,  March  18;.  John  Mar- 
shall and  Patrick  Manning  from  sch.  Knight  Templar,  April  6  ;  John  Wilson 
from  sch.  Etta  Gott,  April  19  ;  Pius  Mclntire  and  Hugh  Gilmore  from  sch. 
Wachusett,  May  3  j  John  J.  Powers  and  Norman  McLeod  from  sch.  Chal- 
lenge, Sept.  23  ;  George  F.  Wilson  from  sch.  Gertie  E.  Foster,  Sept.  29 ; 
James  Greneben  from  sch.  James  Bliss,  Sept.  22  ;  John  Johnston  and  John 
Peterson,  Oct.  21,  and  Henry  Morine,  Nov.  2,  from  sch.  Aberdeen;  Morris 
Bryant  from  sch.  Moro  Castle,  Oct.  26 ;  Joseph  Morey,  William  Gallivan, 
John  McDonald  and  Henry  Stello  from  sch.  Epes  Tarr,  Oct.  27  ;  Thomas 
Stevens  and  Peter  Johnson  from  sch.  Alfred  Walen,  Nov.  7  j  Charles  Hymes 
from  sch.  Andi'ew  Leighton,  Nov.  11  ;  Nicholas  Devereaux  and  Edward  Mc- 
Carty  from  sch.  Peter  D.  Smith,  Nov.  14;  Thomas  Morrissey  and  Edward 
Collins  from  sch.  Fitz  J.  Babson,  in  November ;  Frederic  Peterson  from 
sch.  Onward,  in  November ;  Charles  Fogg  and  John  Dennen  from  sch.  Le- 
vanter, on  Middle  Bank,  Nov.  23. 

1876. 

27  vessels,  1  fishing  boat  and  212  men  were  lost  this  year.  The  vessels 
covered  a  tonnage  of  1,691.44  tons,  and  were  valued  at  $150,000,  with 
$116,222  insurance.  Of  the  lost  seaman,  54  left  widows,  and  112  children 
were  made  fatherless.  167  men  went  down  in  their  vessels,  2 1  were  lost  over- 
board, and  24  were  lost  in  dories  while  visiting  their  trawls.  9  vessels  were 
lost  on  Grand  Bank,  6  on  La  Have  Bank,  3  on  Georges,  3  in  the  Bay  St. 
Lawrence,  3  in  the  Winter  shore  fishery,  and  1  each  in  the  Western  Bank, 
shore  mackerel  and  herring  fisheries.  12  vessels  and  90  men  were  lost  in 
a  series  of  gales  extending  from  Dec.  9  to  16. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  71 

Scb.  HENRIETTA  GREENLEAF,  91.22  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  & 
Co.  and  Capt.  William  H.  Greenleaf,  capsized  and  sunk  on  passage  to 
Grand  Bank,  April  8.  Value,  $10,000;  insurance,  $8,000.  The  captain 
and  four  of  the  crew  were  subsequently  picked  up  in  a  dory,  but  the  follow- 
ing were  lost:  Franklin  Greenleaf,  James  Peters,  Alfred  Short,  George 
Connors,  Joseph  Gardner,  Bernard  Jewett,  Charles  Pattie,  John  S.  Tobie, 
George  S.  Rowe  and  Freeman  Crawford.  The  four  first  named  were 
drowned  in  their  berths ,  the  last-mentioned  died  of  exposure  in  the  dory 
which  was  picked  up,  and  the  others  were  never  heard  from  after  the  dories 
parted  company  the  evening  after  the  disaster. 

Sch.  JANET  MIDDLETON,  66.43  tons,  owned  by  Smith  &  Oakes,  lost 
on  Grand  Bank  in  April  or  May.  Value,  $7,550;  insurance,  $6,057.  Crew 
list — William  Wentzel,  master,  and  his  brother,  name  unknown  ;  Charles 
Reeves,  Caleb  Wheaton,  John  McFadden,  Simon  Landry,  Jerry  Saunders, 
John  Russell,  Walter  S.  Williams,  Samuel  P.  Remick,  John  McFarland. 

Sch.  JAMES  L.  SHUTE,  105.57  tons,  owned  by  Sh.ute  &  Merchant,  also 
lost  on  Grand  Bank  in  April  or  May.  Value,  $13,000;  insurance,  $10,275. 
Crew  list — George  H.  Norwood,  master ;  Percy  H.  Norwood,  Felix  DeCost, 
Charles  B.  Turner,  Edwin  P.  Turner,  George  W.  Fyle,  Robert  S.  Mills,  John 
Cody,  William  Sampson,  Michael  Trueby,  Paul  Veno,  Henry  Cook,  William 
O'Brien,  John  W.  Porter. 

Sch.  WALTER  M.  FALT,  67.46  tons,  owned  by  Leighton  &  Co.,  lost  on 
Grand  Bank  in  September.  Wreck  seen  dismasted  and  water-logged.  Crew 
never  heard  from.  Value,  $8,800;  insurance,  $7,100.  Crew  list — Bennett 
Perry,  master;  John  P.  Colby,  James  Keyes,  John  Ginevan,  Thomas  Da- 
vidson, Patrick  Dugan,  James  Wheeler,  John  Phalan,  Charles  L.  Austin, 
Thomas  Burke,  George  Williams,  Patrick  Busteed. 

Sch.  WILLIAM  T.  MERCHANT,  76.76  tons,  owned  by  Shute  &  Mer- 
chant, lost  on  Grand  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $5,800  ;  insurance,  $5,075, 
with  $1,000  additional  on  outfits.  Crew  list — Angus  Anderson,  master; 
Barney  Frazier,  Charles  Frazier,  brothers ;  John  Barry,  Robert  Miles,  Alex. 
Babbin,  Samuel  Thurber,  Charles  Anderson,  B.  W.  Alby,  John  McKay, 
Joseph  Gosby,  Moses  Stafford. 

Sch.  D.  E.  WOODBURY,  65.25  tons,  owned  by  Smith  &  Gott,  lost  on 
Bank  trip,  in  December.  Value,  $5,200;  insurance,  $4,550,  with  $700  on 
outfits.  Crew  list — Franklin  D.  Pinkham,  master ;  David  S.  Corson,  An- 
drew M.  Anderson,  William  Olsen,  Oliver  Olsen,  Andrew  Hanson,  John 
Brant,  Edward  Sperling,  James  S.  McLeare,  and  one  man  name  unknown. 

Sch.  JOB  JOHNSON,  64.07  tons,  owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter,  run  down 
and  sunk  on  Grand  Bank  in  July.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $6,350 ;  insurance, 
$5,182. 

Sch.  DANIEL  A.  BURNHAM,  72.35  tons,  owned  by  Leonard  Walen, 


72  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

capsized  and  abandoned  in  Grand  Bank  fishery,  Dec.  10.  Crew  taken  off. 
Value,  $6,500;  insurance,  $5,500. 

Sch.  GETTYSBURG,  70.32  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  &  Thompson, 
employed  in  Bank  fishing,  abandoned  in  December.  Crew  taken  off  and 
landed  at  Plymouth,  Eng.     Value,  $5,400 ;  insurance,  $4,350. 

Sch.  J.  F.  ALLEN,  62.63  tons>  owned  by  B.  Maddocks  &  Co.,  lost  on 
Western  Bank  in  October.  Value,  $4,625  ;  insurance  on  vessel  and  outfits, 
$5,025.  Crew  list — John  Campbell,  master;  William  McNare,  Joseph  Brown, 
James  Brown,  Alpheus  Campbell,  Woodbury  Lewis,  Angus  McDonald, 
Smith  McDonald,  William  Rogers,  Thomas  Russell. 

Sch.  KEARSARGE,  59.03  tons,  owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son,  lost  on 
Georges  in  April.  Value,  $4,500;  insurance,  $1,500.  Crew  list — Solomon 
Burchell,  master;  John  Haffey,  Patrick  Dorsey,  Joseph  Fritz,  Frank  Hep- 
son,  Joseph  Fritz,  Jr.,  Joseph  Sawyer,  John  Francis,  Joseph  Enos,  Murdock 
Smith,  Charles  King. 

Sch.  SARATOGA,  74.96  tons,  owned  by  George  Steele,  lost  on  Georges 
in  May.  Value,  $10,000;  insurance,  $8,800.  Crew  list — John  McMillan, 
master;  John  Hiltz,  John  D.  Carter,  William  Mackay,  Edward  McGuire, 
Albert  Walker,  Andrew  J.  Woodman,  F.  E.  Lewis,  Jr.,  John  Murphy, 
Charles  Richards,  William  B.  Walker. 

Sch.  LANCET,  56.76  tons,  owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter,  engaged  in  the 
Georges  fishery,  abandoned  on  Georges  Dec.  10.  One  of  the  crew,  John 
Kirby,  washed  overboard  and  drowned.     Value,  $3,000 ;  insurance,  $2,500. 

Sch.  HOWARD  STEELE,  60.37  tons,  owned  by  George  Steele,  lost  on 
La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $5,150;  insurance,  including  outfits, 
$5,125.  Crew  list — Edward  Murphy,  master;  William  Silvey,  Patrick  Cos- 
tello,  Barnard  P.  Scanlan,  George  Melroy,  Peter  Stapleton,  Edward  Walsh, 
Thomas  Ready,  Peter  Collins,  James  McQuillan,  Daniel  Curtis. 

Sch.  JOHN  S.  TYLER,  63  tons,  owned  by  Sidney  Friend  &  Bro.,  lost 
on  La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $4,600 ;  insurance  on  vessel  and 
outfits,  $4,425.  Crew  list — Arthur  O'Neal,  master;  Felix  O'Neal,  Murdoch 
McCloud,  Alexander  McCloud,  his  son,  Edward  Berry,  William  Laney, 
George  Allen,  Louis  Wilson,  William  Sullivan,  Henry  Maddox. 

Sch.  J.  F.  HUNTRESS,  63.73  tons,  owned  by  Samuel  Haskell,  lost  on 
La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $5,900;  insurance,  $5,163  on  vessel 
and  $400  on  outfits.  Crew  list — Richard  Rose,  master;  George  L.  Hen- 
drickson,  Frank  M.  Anderson,  John  M.  Johnson,  Charles  J.  Anderson,  An- 
drew Anderson,  Harry  Beck,  Peter  J.  Olsen,  Thomas  Thompson,  John  Beck. 

Sch.  MODENA  B.  JERAULD,  70.34  tons,  owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Bab- 
son,  lost  on  La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $5,300 ;  insurance,  $3,900. 
Crew  list — Charles  P.  Mitchell,  master ;  Edward  Haines,  John  C.  Haines, 
brothers  ;   Michael  Keefe,   Freeman    Snow,   William    Snow,   his  brother, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  73 

Edward  Herring,  B.  D.  Joyce,  Lewis  D.  Martin,  Emanuel  Rose,  Daniel 
Gardner. 

Sch.  ROBERT  EMMETT,  45.25  tons,  owned  by  Charles  Parkhurst,  lost 
on  La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $4,500  j  uninsured.  Crew  list — 
Joseph  Grey,  master;  John  E.  Saunders,  Seth  S.  Colby,  Samuel  Spinney, 
Alex.  Boyd,  Edward  Dodge,  Samuel  Tyng,  William  Michaels,  Thomas 
Tarreo. 

Sch.  WYOMING,  55.21  tons,  owned  by  McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co.,  lost  on 
La  Have  Bank  in  December.  Value,  $5,500  \  insurance,  $4,732.  Crew  list 
— Henry  Nauss,  master,  and  his  brother  Arthur;  James  Jeffrey,  Warren 
Williams,  Thomas  Haney,  Charles  Forbes,  Alex.  Thompson,  John  Haskins, 
George  Crittenden,  Joseph  Zink. 

Sch.  COL.  ELLSWORTH,  82.45  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Oliver  F.  How- 
ard and  engaged  in  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence  mackerel  fishery,  lost  at  the  Mag- 
dalen Islands,  Aug.  20.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $5,500;  insurance,  $4,800. 

Sch.  RELIANCE,  46.49  tons,  owned  by  Walen  &  Allen,  also  employed 
in  Bay  mackereling,  lost  near  Canso,  Sept.  21.  Crew  saved.  Value, 
$3,600 ;  insurance,  $2,550. 

Sch.  TIBER,  44.70  tons,  also  owned'  by  Walen  &  Allen,  another  of  the 
Bay  St.  Lawrence  fleet,  wrecked  at  Louisburg,  Sept.  29.  Crew  saved. 
Value,  $1,775  5  insurance,  $850. 

Sch.  CHALLENGE,  36.16  tons,  owned  by  Eben  H.  and  Franklin  Griffin, 
wrecked  on  the  Maine  coast  in  the  shore  mackerel  fishery,  July  6.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $1,000;  uninsured. 

Sch.  JOHN  STORY,  Jr.,  27.48  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Charles  H.  Orne 
and  engaged  in  the  Winter  shore  fishery,  run  down  and  sunk  off  Eastern 
Point,  Jan.  27.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $800;  insurance,  $700. 

Sch.  GLENWOOD,  62.44  tons»  owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan,  also  employed 
in  the  shore  fishery,  run  into  and  sunk  off  Highland  Light,  Feb.  19.  Crew 
saved.     Value,  $6,000;  insurance,  $4,113. 

Sch.  MAZEPPA,  47.57  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Gilman  Roberts,  lost  at 
Brace's  Cove  in  the  shore  fishery,  Nov.  2.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $1,000; 
insurance,  $700. 

Sch.  ELLEN  FRANCES,  55.44  tons,  owned  by  B.  Maddocks  &  Co.,  lost 
on  the  passage  from  Souris,  P.  E.  I.,  with  a  load  of  potatoes,  in  December. 
Value,  $2,450;  insurance,  $2,144  on  vessel  and  $1,000  on  cargo.  Crew 
lost.  Commanded  by  Capt.  John  Lunergan  of  Beverly,  with  a  crew  of  four 
men,  names  unknown. 

Boat  BONANZA,  owned  by  Capt.  John  Carter,  was  wrecked  in  the  off- 
shore fishery,  off  Plymouth,  May  23.    Crew  saved.    Value,  $600  ;  uninsured. 

Sch.  GEORGE  PEABODY,  of  Salem,  chartered  by  Capt.  George  W* 


74  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Plumer  of  this  city,  was  wrecked  in  the  Bay  St.  Lawrence  in  October,  and 
sold  for  $1,500.     She  is  not  included  in  our  figures. 

Lost  Overboard. — Louis  Beck  from  sch.  Sarah  C.  Pyle,  Jan.  4 ;  Capt. 
Maurice  Walen  from  sch.  Marathon,  on  Georges,  Feb.  22  ;  Capt.  Robert  N. 
Mackey  on  the  passage  from  Fortune  Bay,  Feb.  14;  Dennis  Lyon  from  sch. 
Nathaniel  Webster,  Feb.  24 ;  Capt.  Martin  Nelson  from  sch.  Arizona,  on 
Georges,  Feb.  24;  S.  Augustus  Webb  from  sch.  John  S.  Presson,  on  Grand 
Bank,  Feb.  26  ;  Nathaniel  Gillis  from  sch.  David  Crockett  and  Nelson  Mitch- 
ell from  sch.  Edwin  C.  Dolliver,  on  Grand  Bank  March  11  ;  John  O'Brien 
from  sch.  Joseph  O.,  on  Georges,  March  26 ;  George  Carpenter  from  sch. 
Robert  Emmett,  on  Georges,  April  10;  N.  T.  Chatto  from  sch.  Bloomer,  off 
Portsmouth,  July  24;  Alfred  Meyers  from  sch.  Edward  E.  Webster,  on 
Grand  Bank,  July  4 ;  Richard  Tibbetts  from  sch.  Charles  P.  Barrett,  on 
Middle  Bank,  Oct.  12;  James  Sigsworth,  Frank  Dunn  and  Daniel  McNeil 
from  sch.  F.  A.  Smith,  on  Grand  Bank,  Oct.  16 ;  Michael  Morgan  from  sch. 
Victor,  on  Grand  Bank,  in  December ;  Joseph  Teddy  and  Charles  Cook  from 
sch.  Ruth  Groves,  on  Georges,  Dec.  1 1 ;  George  Miller  from  sch.  Howard 
on  Grand  Bank,  Dec.  10. 

Lost  in  Dories. — Charles  H.  Fisher  and  Chester  W.  Denton  from  sch. 
Polar  Wave,  Jan.  19 ;  John  G.  Smith  and  John  Davis  from  sch.  Restless,  in 
January ;  all  on  Western  Bank.  Herbert  Gorman,  mate  of  sch.  Flash,  at 
Newfoundland,  Feb.  24.  Daniel  Brynnelson  and  Stephen  Stone  from  sch. 
Alfred  Walen,  on' La  Have  Bank,  March  17  ;  Capt.  John  McCloud  from 
sch.  Addison  G.  Procter,  Feb.  8 ;  William  Norton  and  Albert  Sulkey  from 
sch.  Frederic  Gerring,  Jr.,  Feb.  28  ;  James  Horton  and  Thomas  Kennedy 
from  sch.  Edwin  C.  Dolliver,  March  3  ;  George  Patience  and  Charles  An- 
derson from  sch.  Fitz  J.  Babson  and  John  McMillan  and  John  McAuley 
from  sch.yi  F.  Allen,  April  18;  David  Shearer  and  William  Diggers  from 
sch.  Hrewxrd,  June  27  ;  Charles  Olsen  and  Charles  Strimm  from  sch.  Aber- 
deen, in  August;  Nicholas  Surratt  from  sch.  Shiloh,  Sept.  20;  Angus  Mc- 
Kay and  George  Party  from  sch.  Epes  Tarr,  Sept.  27 ;  Charles  Haley  from 
sch.  Charles  P.  Thompson,  Oct.  6 ;  all  on  Grand  Bank. 

1877. 

This  was  a  year  of  general  depression  in  the  fishing  industry,  but  the 
losses  were  comparatively  light.  7  vessels  were  lost  in  the  fishing  busi- 
ness and  1  in  the  coasting  trade,  their  tonnage  being  722.33,  and  their  value 
about  $45,000.  Insurance  about  $22,000.  Number  of  lives  lost  in  the 
fisheries,  38. 

Sch.  MAY  QUEEN,  53.56  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Isaac  P.  Peterson, 
wrecked  in  shore  fishery  on  Coney  Island,  Jan.  2.  Crew  saved  after  seven 
hours'  extreme  peril  and  suffering.     Value,  $3,400;  insurance,  $2,975. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  75 

Sch.  ELIZA  JANE,  46.43  tons,  owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons,  lost 
near  Shelburne,  N.  S.,  Jan.  23.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $2,400 ;  insurance, 
$2,400. 

Sch.  GEN".  GRANT,  86.11  tons,  owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son,  lost  at  New- 
foundland in  January.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $5,550;  insurance,  $2,500. 

Sch.  MARY  BURN  HAM,  65.71  tons,  owned  by  Harvey  Knowlton,  Jr., 
lost  on  La  Have  Bank  in  January.  Value,  $4,712;  insurance,  $4,623. 
Crew  list — Alexander  Lyle,  master ;  James  Howard,  John  Willow;  David  S. 
Merchant,  Thomas  Lauray,  Lawrence  McVarish,  Randall  McVarish,  Alex- 
ander McVarish,  James  Campbell,  Robert  King,  Edward  Martin. 

Sch.  CLARA  B.  CHAPMAN,  68.19  tons,  owned  by  Dennis  &  Ayer,  lost 
at  Sandy  Point  in  May.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $5,114;  insurance,  $4,975. 
Wreck  sold  for  $1,000, 

Sch.  ANN  MARIA,  41.78  tons,  owned  by  Gardner  K.  and  Howard 
Wonson,  and  employed  in  the  Georges  fishery,  lost  on  Newburyport  bar 
July  1.  Crew  saved  with  considerable  difficulty.  Value,  $1,050;  insur- 
ance, $928. 

Sch.  BELLE,  23.15  tons,  owned  by  George  R.  Gates  and  others,  lost 
near  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  in  the  shore  fishery,  Aug.  17.  Crew  saved.  Val- 
ue, $750;  insurance,  $600. 

Three-masted  sch  G.  P.  POMEROY,  337.40  tons,  lost  with  all  her  crew 
on  the  passage  from  Brunswick,  Ga.,  for  Bath,  Me.,  with  a  cargo  of  ship 
timber,  in  an  April  gale.  About  two-thirds  owned  in  Gloucester  and  one- 
third  in  Manchester,  Beverly,  Boston  and  Salem.  Commanded  by  Capt. 
Francis  A.  Bryant  of  Gloucester.  $1,500  insurance  in  the  Gloucester  Fire 
Insurance  Co.,  and  other  small  amounts  elsewhere. 

Lost  Overboard. — Capt.  Daniel  M.  Gray  from  sch.  B.  F.  Somes,  March 
13  ;  John  Kennedy  from  sch.  Adelia  Hartwell,  March  26 ;  Manuel  Veada 
from  sch.  Dictator,  Oct.  6 ;  and  Hans  Antone  Olsen  from  sch.  Arizona,  Nov. 
2,  all  in  Georges  fishery.  Neil  McPhee  from  sch.  Highflyer,  in  New  York 
harbor,  in  May.  Walter  H.  Merchant  from  sch.  Etta  Gott,  in  the  Bay  St. 
Lawrence,  Sept.  22. 

Capsized  in  Dories. — Alphonso  Babson  and  Gorham  Parsons  in  Ips- 
wich Bay,  March  13.  Andrew  Anderson  off  Eastern  Point,  May  7.  Harry 
Miller,  of  sch.  Eben  B.  Phillips,  in  Gloucester  harbor,  Oct.  10.  George  B. 
Michael  and  William  Burnham  from  sch.  Eben  B.  Phillips,  March  18  ;  John 
Daniels  and  Edward  Spencer,  of  sch.  Frederic  Gerring,  Jr.,  March  27  ;  Ed- 
ward Coles  and  Howard  Powers  from  sch.  Edward  E.  Webster,  and  James 
Murphy  from  sch.  Eben  Parsons,  April  12  ;  Harry  Richardson  from  sch. 
Lizzie  K.  Clark,  May  21  ;  Lemuel  Parsons  and  John  Holmes  from  sch.  Co- 
rinna  H.  Bishop,  May  30;  Neil  Johnson  and  Charles  Culvert  from  sch. 
Marion,  June  3 ;  Adolph  Jackson  and  Matthew  Huntwell  from  sch.  Andrew 


76  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Leighton,  Sept.  26 ;  and  Daniel  McDonald  and  Albert  Mizner  from  sch.  G. 
P.  Whitman,  Nov.  4,  all  on  the  Banks. 

Capt.  Joseph  Campbell  killed  by  falling  from  aloft  on  board  sch.  Gertie 
E.  Foster,  on  the  Banks,  Nov.  6. 

1878. 

The  fishing  losses  for  this  year  numbered  11  vessels,  795.90  tons,  valued 
at  $60,794  and  insured  for  $48,767,  and  55  lives.  Two  Gloucester  coasting 
vessels  were  lost  this  year,  making  the  total  number  of  vessels  13,  tonnage 
9°7-57>  value  $64,794,  insurance  $49,967,  lives  56. 

Sch.  CARRIE  P.  MORTON,  84.19  tons,  owned  by  Walen  &  Allen,  lost 
on  Grand  Bank  in  January  or  February.  Value,  $7,200  ;  insurance,  $6,300. 
Crew  list — Antone  S.  Downs,  master;  Joseph  Gay,  Angus  McLean,  Jesse 
McLoud,  Anthony  Holthes,  Augustus  Frazier,  Emanuel  Enos,  Charles 
Burke,  Lawrence  Powers,  James  Lundry,  John  Rose,  David  Atwater,  Sam- 
uel Bragg, LeVanze. 

Sch.  JULIA  WOOD,  92.89  tons,  owned  by  James  Mansfield  &  Sons, 
wrecked  near  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  in  April.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $9,000 ;  in- 
surance, $7,878.     Wreck  sold  for  $700. 

Sch.  ORONOCO,  48.21  tons,  owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son,  lost  on  Straits- 
mouth  Island,  July  5.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $2,000;  insurance,  $1,050. 
Wreck  sold  for  $16.50. 

Sch.  LILIAN  GERTRUDE,  58.06  tons,  owned  by  Daniel  Sayward  and 
others,  lost  on  Mt.  Desert  Rock,  July  12.  Crew  saved.  Loss,  $5,500; 
insurance,  $4,454. 

Sch.  LIZZIE  &  NAMARI,  94.09  tons,  owned  by  George  Laturen,  mas- 
ter, and  Almon  Mason  of  Pigeon  Cove,  lost  near  Matinicus,  Aug.  31. 
Crew  saved.     Value,  $7,000 ;  insurance,  $6,000.     Wreck  sold  for  $50. 

Sch.  MARY  LOUISE,  68.15  tons,  owned  by  Daniel  Sayward  and  others 
and  employed  in  the  Georges  fishery,  run  down  and  sunk  60  miles  east  of 
Boston  Light,  Sept.  1.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $5,475  ;  insurance,  $4,592. 

Sch.  RIVAL,  53.88  tons,  owned  by  Sylvanus  Smith,  lost  at  the  Magdalen 
Islands,  in  September.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $2,054;  insurance,  $1,798. 
Wreck  sold  for  $430. 

Sch.  RIVERDALE,  61.41  tons,  owned  by  Maddocks  &  Co.,  run  into  and 
sunk  off  Thacher's  Island,  Nov.  23.  Crew  rescued.  Value,  $4,240  ;  insur- 
ance, $3,423. 

Sch.  CUNARD,  74.65  tons,  owned  by  James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro.,  lost  on  the 
Banks  in  November  or  December.  Value,  $6,000  ;  insurance,  $3,600.  Crew 
list — Garrett  Galvin,  master,  Philip  Hennesy,  John  H.  Reynolds,  Joseph 
Lockwood,  Andrew  Crowell,  James  and  John  Harding,  brothers,  John  Ryan, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  77 

Allen  C.  Brian,  John  Drury,  Daniel  McLeod,  James  Tobin,  and  two  others 
shipped  at  Port  Mulgrave,  whose  names  are  unknown. 

Sch.  NIMBUS,  60.30  tons,  owned  by  Leonard  Walen,  wrecked  on  Cape 
Negro,  in  December.  Value,  $4,470;  insurance,  $3,911,  with  $1,000  addi- 
tional on  outfits.  Two  of  the  crew,  Augustus  Long  and  Andrew  Robinson, 
were  drowned. 

Sch.  MOSES  ADAMS,  99.87  tons,  owned  by  Samuel  Lane  &  Bro.,  aban- 
doned at  sea,  Dec.  21.  Crew  rescued  with  considerable  difficulty.  Value, 
$5,155  ;  insurance,  $4,761. 

Sch.  MODENA,  61.48  tons,  owned  by  Bennett  Griffin,  lost  in  coasting 
trade  off  Cape  Cod,  June  21.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $1,000;  uninsured. 

Sch.  SAM'L  WONSON,  50.19  tons,  owned  by  B.  Haskell  &  Sons  and 
employed  in  coasting  trade,  wrecked  in  Liscomb  harbor,  N.  S.,  Dec.  20. 
Crew  saved.     Value,  $3,000;  insurance,  $1,200. 

Lost  Overboard. — James  McQuarrie  from  sch.  Moses  Adams,  on  passage 
from  Newfoundland,  Jan.  21.  John  Manuel  from  sch.  Polar  Wave,  March 
12,  and  Joseph  Smith  from  sch.  Andrew  Leighton,  Sept.  22,  in  the  Bank 
fishery.  Thomas  Smith  from  sch.  Dictator,  March  20,  and  Samuel  K. 
Pearce  from  sch.  Mary  Story,  Oct.  13,  on  Georges.  Capt.  Philip  Conley 
from  sch.  Smuggler,  on  the  passage  from  Grand  Menan,  Dec.  19.  William 
Martin  from  sch.  Hyperion,  off  Milk  Island,  Nov.  18. 

Lost  Overboard  by  Collision. — Thomas  Kirby  from  sch.  Racer  in  col- 
lision with  sch.  Electric  Flash,  in  April ;  Willis  Bateman  from  sch.  Edward 
E.  Webster  in  collision  with  sch.  Hereward,  on  the  Banks,  in  May ;  Nelson 
M.  Doane  and  William  Post  from  sch.  Sarah  C.  Pyle  in  collision  with  an 
unknown  bark,  off  Thacher's  Island,  June  1. 

Capsized  in  Dories. — Alex.  McGinnis  from  sch.  Centennial,  Jan.  20; 
John  Peterson  and  Augustus  Peterson  from  sch.  Andrew  Leighton,  March 
22  ;  Judson  W.  Allen  from  sch.  Knight  Templar,  April  8 ;  Sylvester  Mitch- 
ell and  Albert  Eldridge  from  sch.  Ossipee,  Aug.  22  ;  all  in  the  Bank  fishery. 
Thomas  King  from  sch.  Annie  C.  Norwood,  and  John  Dakin  from  sch. 
Ellen  H.  Powers,  Dec.  19,  in  the  shore  fishery. 

Lost  in  Dories. — Angus  McKenzie  and  Allen  Grant  from  sch.  John  S. 
Presson,  Feb.  18,  and  William  Tate  and  Charles  Russell  from  sch.  Josie  M. 
Calderwood,  Oct.  9,  on  the  Banks ;  William  Cole  and  Lemuel  Hagan  from 
sch.  Mary  F  Chisholm,  on  La  Have  Bank,  Dec.  19. 

Capt.  H.  A.  Bearse  of  the  coasting  schooner  Hattie  JV.  Gove  was  knocked 
overboard  and  drowned  in  New  London  harbor,  Dec.  2. 

1879. 

This  was  the  most  disastrous  year  ever  experienced  in  the  Gloucester  fish- 
eries, so  far  as  loss  of  life  is  concerned,  although  the  number  of  vessels  lost 


78  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

was  less  than  in  1873.  In  1879,  249  Gloucester  fishermen  sailed  from  port 
never  to  return.  The  number  of  vessels  lost  was  29.  Of  these,  15  were 
lost  in  the  terrible  gale  of  Feb.  20  and  21,  13  on  Georges  and  2  on  the 
Banks,  leaving  57  widows  and  140  fatherless  children  to  bewail  their  loss. 
This  terrible  calamity  appealed  forcibly  to  the  sympathies  of  the  benevolent, 
and  contributions  for  the  relief  of  the  destitute  were  received  from  all  parts 
of  the  land  to  the  amount  of  $28,216.72.  4  vessels  and  37  lives  were  lost 
in  an  October  gale. 

The  loss  of  tonnage  in  1879  was  1,893.36.  Value,  $111,056.  Insurance, 
$90,582.  Besides  the  losses  in  the  February  gale,  during  the  year  5  vessels 
were  lost  in  the  Bank  fishery,  3  in  the  mackerel  fishery,  2  on  freighting  voy- 
ages, and  1  each  squiding,  shore  fishing,  baiting,  and  on  La  Have  Bank. 

The  losses  in  the  February  gale  were  as  follows  : 

ON  THE  BANKS. 

Sch.  EDWIN  C.  DOLLIVER,  87.07  tons,  owned  by  Walen  &  Allen, 
abandoned  Feb.  26.     Crew  taken  off.     Value,  $7,000 ;  insurance,  $5,800. 

Sch.  GWENDOLEN,  82.41  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
Value,  $7,154;  insurance,  $6,010.  Crew  list — Zadock  Hawkins,  master; 
Lyman  H.  Morey,  steward ;  Edward  Landry,  Richard  Hurley,  Alex.  Mc- 
Kenzie,  John  McKay,  Michael  Donahoe,  William  Nelson,  Augustus  Crow- 
ell,  John  McGuire,  James  Calwell,  Daniel  McDonald,  William  Chute,  Wil- 
liam C.  Wilson.. 

ON  GEORGES. 

Sch.  ANNIE  HOOPER,  69.27"  tons,  owned  by  B.  Maddocks  &  Co. 
Value,  $3,485  ;  insurance,  $3,112.  Crew  list — Patrick  Foley,  master;  Sam- 
uel Shano,  steward ;  Joseph  Smith,  David  Hogan,  Manuel  Smith,  Stephen 
Halley,  Jackson  Clark,  Fitz  E.  Oakes,  Michael  Hart,  William  Fisher  alias 
Anderson,  Peter  Peterson. 

Sch.  ANNIE  LINWOOD,  59.09  tons,  owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan.  Value, 
$3,725;  insurance,  $3,322.  Crew  list — Thomas  Connell,  master;  Patrick 
O'Brien,  PYederic  J.  Knowles,  Daniel  D.  Morrison,  John  Silva,  Frank  Fer- 
ris, John  Smith,  John  Lawrence,  Angus  McDonald,  August  Mitchell  and 
one  man  whose  name  is  unknown. 

Sch.  GEORGE  B.  LORING,  58.50  tons,  owned  by  George  Norwood  & 
Son.  Value,  $2,119  ;  insurance,  $1,917.  Crew  list — George  W.  Lane,  mas- 
ter; Joseph  M.  Lane,  brother  to  master;  Reuben  H.  Ellis,  Morris  Riley, 
Ambrose  Thebedo,  James  M.  Boynton,  George  Whitman,  James  White, 
George  Yates,  Edward  P.  Townsend. 

Sch.  JACOB  BACON,  66.44  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
Value,  $5,186;  insurance,  $4,600.  Crew  list — Christian  Anderson,  master; 
Richard  Carroll,  James  Powers,  Charles  Fox  alias  Johnson,  Patrick  Sulli- 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK.  79 

van,  James  Bowie,  Conrad  Carleson,  Frank  White,  John  Sherman,  Edward 
F.  Jameson,  John  Wilson,  and  Hugh  Hennan,  steward. 

Sch.  JOHN  DOVE,  59.02  tons,  owned  by  Smith  &  Oakes.  Value,  $3,193  ; 
insurance,  $2,857.  Crew  list — Lewis  Caliste,  master ;  Alex.  Girrior,  John 
Coughlin,  Theophilus  V.  Porter,  Samuel  Wrest,  William  Delroy,  Joseph 
Enos,  Benjamin  Decoste,  Charles  Campbell,  and  Edward  and  Benjamin 
Levange,  brothers. 

Sch.  JOSHUA  S.  SANBORN,  63.89  tons,  owned  by  David  Low  &  Co. 
Value,  $2,795  ;  insurance,  $2,008.  Crew  list — George  Gray,  master;  Wil- 
liam Carter,  John  H.  Holmes,  Michael  Allen,  Edward  Walton,  John  J.  Wil- 
liams, James  Burge,  Roland  D.  Blodgett,  Bertram  Blake,  John  A.  Howard, 
Charles  Claherty. 

Sch.  LOTTIE  F.  BABSON,  61.96  tons,  owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 
Value,  $2,505;  insurance,  $1,096.  Crew  list — Seward  Reynolds,  master; 
Robert  Reynolds,  brother  to  master ;  John  Graves,  Lorenzo  Chute,  John 
Batson,  Daniel  Tatton,  George  Pooler,  Samuel  Thompson,  Joseph  Boone, 
James  Boshey,  and  Fred.  Hall,  steward. 

Sch.  MARY  CARLISLE,  66.78  tons,  owned  by  Andrew  Leighton.  Val- 
ue, $3,425;  insurance,  $3,060.  Crew  list — Joseph  Scott,  master;  John  L. 
Ingersoll,  Ralph  Irving,  Philip  Vibert,  Cyrus  Young,  William  Merchant, 
Alex.  Cogill,  Oliver  Thompson,  Alex.  McMaster,  Peter  McKinnon,  George 
Matthews. 

Sch.  MARY  LOW,  63.97  tons,  owned  by  David  Low  &  Co.  Value, 
$2,930;  insurance,  $2,126.  Crew  list — James  F.  Dunton,  master;  John 
Tarr;  Phillippe  Deveaux,  Elkanah  Nason,  Ariel  P.  Burnham,  Paul  Theba- 
deau,  Joseph  King,  Fred.  Kenniston,  Frank  Silva,  Joseph  White,  Peter 
Jennison. 

Sch.  MAUD  &  EFFIE,  85.23  tons,  owned  by  Willard  G.  Pool.  Value, 
$5>735  l  insurance,  $4,581.  Crew  list — John  Mclsaac,  master;  Michael 
Mclsaac,  his  brother,  Joseph  Nowlan,  their  brother-in-law  ;  Edward  Gordon, 
Roland  McDonald,  Allen  McDonald  of  East  Boston;  Joseph  Rogers,  Joseph 
McAskell ;  Edward  Shearman,  the  latter's  brother-in-law;  Andrew  Swinson, 
Neal  Beaton,  William  McMaster,  William  Frazier,  Roderic  Steele. 

Sch.  MORNING  STAR,  52.92  tons,  owned  by  Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
Value,  $1,895  ;  insurance,  $1,721.  Crew  list — John  B.  Spanks,  master; 
David  B.  Gorman,  William  W.  Shelton,  Antone  Aveney,  David  Jones,  F. 
H.  Stimpson,  John  Black,  James  Roberts,  Charles  Ibey,  Michael  Muldoon. 

Sch.  OTIS  D.  DANA,  64.28  tons,  owned  by  Pettingell  &  Cunningham. 
Value,  $3,335  ;  insurance,  $2,981.  Crew  list — William  Willoughby,  master  ; 
Archibald  McCatheren,  Boley  Bushey,  John  Garvey,  George  C.  Stearns, 
Charles  Netherwood,  John  Atwood,  Frederic  Hill,  Paul  A.  Peterson,  and 
Charles  Mason,  steward. 


80  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Sch.  SEA  QUEEN,  61.47  tons,  owned  by  Andrew  Leighton.  Value, 
$3,242;  insurance,  $2,900.  Crew  list — Charles  Wilson,  master;  Nicholas 
M.  Thompson,  Peter  Trumbull,  A.  W.  Peterson,  Olof  Jensen,  Neils  Han- 
son, Axel  Olssen,  John  Anderson,  William  Brown,  August  Peterson. 

OTHER  LOSSES. 

Sch.  IDA  E.  BAKER,  63.69  tons,  owned  by  George  Norwood  &  Son, 
lost  on  Western  Bank  in  April.  Value,  $4,380 ;  insurance,  $3,783.  Crew 
list — M.  H.  Adams,  master ;  John  Benson,  Robert  Mclnies,  Joseph  McDon- 
ald, George  Major,  Frank  Oscar,  William  T.  Long,  Charles  Johnson,  Charles 
White,  John  McNair,  Hugh  McCormack,  John  Jerriwa. 

Sch.  WILLIAM  THOMPSON,  84.15  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  & 
Thompson,  lost  on  a  Bank  halibuting  trip  in  April.  Value,  $7,200;  insur- 
ance, $6,057.  Crew  list — Christian  Olsen,  master ;  Dennis  Thelning,  Chas. 
Anderson,  Chresten  Johnson,  Samuel  Nordahl,  John  P.  Johnson,  Andrew 
Hanson,  Martin  Soderstrum,  Carl  Leweau,  Martin  Anderson  alias  Johnson, 
Julius  Manguson,  Elias  Fladen,  Martin  Johnson,  and  Charles  S.  Olsen, 
brother  of  the  master. 

Sch.  N.  H.  PHILLIPS,  66.93  tons,  owned  by  William  McDonald  and 
others,  lost  on  Banquereau  in  October.  Value,  $4,500 ;  insurance,  $3,862. 
Crew  list — William  McDonald,  master;  John  Welch,  John  McKinnon,  Al- 
bion Bowden,  John  McDonald,  Charles  Crawler,  Neal  McDonald,  Michael 
Mclnnis,  John  Steele,  John  and  Richard  Tobin,  brothers,  Duncan  Mclsaac, 
Clifton  Thompson. 

Sch.  HARVEY  C.  MACKAY,  64.77  tons,  owned  by  William  .Parsons, 
2d,  &  Co.,  lost  on  a  Bank  codfishing  trip  in  October.  Value,  $3,595  ;  in- 
surance, $3,071.  Crew  list — Frank  Nolan,  master;  George  Holly,  W.  H. 
Bartlett,  William  Higgins,  Charles  W.  Hunt,  Everett  Campbell,  Augustus 
Campbell,  Frank  Crowell,  Frank  Hobbs,  and  a  young  man  named  Morton. 

Sch.  ANDREW  LEIGHTON,  83.56  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  & 
Thompson,  lost  on  La  Have  Bank  in  October.  Value,  $6,800 ;  insurance, 
$5,698.  Crew  list — Oscar  W.  Alden,  master ;  Andrew  McDonald,  Samuel 
Grassy,  Oscar  Wistar,  Frank  Nelson,  Martin  Hogan,  Charles  Berg,  Martin 
Strahan,  Adolph  Nelson,  Frank  Veaneau,  Frank  Flake,  John  Boudrout, 
Andrew  Olsen,  Henry  Johnson. 

Sch.  CITY  OF  GLOUCESTER,  68.64  tons,  owned  by  Rowe  &  Jordan, 
bound  on  a  Bank  trip,  lost  off  Chatham,  June  1.  Crew  saved.  Value, 
$4,665  ;  insurance,  $4,146. 

Sch.  ALICE  M.  LEWIS,  66.82  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Jesse  Lewis,  lost 
in  the  Southern  mackerel  fishery  at  Townsend  Inlet,  April  14.  Crew  saved. 
Value,  $3,560;  insurance,  $2,678. 

Sch.  GEORGE  S.  LOW,  61.69  tons,  owned  by  David  Low  &   Co.,  lost 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  81 

in  the   Southern  mackerel  fishery  near  Townsend  Inlet,  May  n.     Crew 
saved.     Value,  $3,000 ;  insurance,  $2,200. 

Sch.  CARRIE  F.  BUTLER,  68.35  tons,  owned  by  William  Parsons, 
wrecked  at  Rustico,  Oct.  31.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $2,000;  insurance, 
$1,500. 

Sch.  O.  S.  BAILEY,  58.22  tons,  owned  by  Hardy  Brothers  and  others, 
abandoned  at  sea  on  passage  from  Dominica  for  Boston,  Nov.  22.  Crew 
rescued.     Value,  $6,000;  insurance,  $4,700. 

Sch.  TRENTON,  41.72  tons,  owned  by  David  Low  &  Co.,  wrecked  near 
Deer  Island,  May  11.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $1,250;  insurance,  $500. 

Sch.  CADET,  60.38  tons,  owned  by  B.  Haskell  &  Sons  and  employed  in 
the  squid  fishery,  wrecked  at  Langlaid,  N.  S.,  Aug.  14.  Crew  saved.  Val- 
ue, $2,500;  insurance,  $1,600. 

Sch.  RIVAL,  53.88  tons,  owned  by  Sylvanus  Smith,  wrecked  at  Rye 
Beach  in  the  Winter  shore  fishery,  Feb.  24.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $1,810; 
insurance,  $1,534. 

Sch.  SPARKLING  WAVE,  48.66  tons,  owned  by  Wonson  Brothers, 
wrecked  in  the  bait  fishery  on  Shovelful  Shoal,  May  15.  Crew  saved. 
Value,  $1,475  ')  insurance,  $1,253. 

Lost  Overboard. — John  Clancy  knocked  overboard  from  sch.  S.  R.  Lane, 
Feb.  8,  and  Michael  O'Malley  fell  overboard  from  sch.  Edward  A.  Horton, 
Feb.  19,  in  Winter  shore  fishery.  Daniel  McDougal  washed  overboard 
from  sch.  J.  J.  Clark  about  70  miles  off  Highland  Light,  March  6.  George 
Hunson  jumped  overboard  from  sch.  Jamestown  in  the  harbor,  April  16. 
Michael  Tobin  washed  from  bowsprit  of  sch.  John  Smith,  Aug.  29,  on 
Georges. 

Capsized  in  Dories. — Charles  and  Clarence  Myers,  brothers,  from  sch. 
Oceanus,  in  Winter  shore  fishery,  Jan.  28.  Andrew  Johnson  from  sch.  Wil- 
liam H.  Oakes,  in  February;  George  Ryan  from  sch.  William  H.  Foye, 
March  2  ;  Lewis  Thompson,  Gordon  Scott  and  William  Nickerson  from 
sch.  Herbert  M.  Rogers,  March  10;  James  McDonald,  George  Perkins,  Da- 
vid B.  Tinker  and  Joseph  Goslin  from  sch.  Hattie  S.  Clark,  and  Thomas 
Williams  of  sch.  Ernest  F.  Norwood,  March  25  (while  going  ashore  at  Bliss 
Harbor,  N.  B.) ;  David  Morrison  from  sch.  Mary  F.  Chisholm,  in  August; 
John  and  Malcom  McCloud  and  James  Publicover  from  sch.  Laura  Nelson, 
Dec.  26  ;  all  in  the  Bank  fisheries.  Robert  McDonald  and  Joseph  Chis- 
holm from  sch.  Highflyer,  on  Jeffrey's,  Dec.  1. 

Lost  in  Dories. — William  Andrews  and  Nicholas  Colberg  from  sch.  Al- 
ice G.  Wonson,  Jan.  29  ;  John  Olsen  and  Charles  Hanson  from  sch.  Andrew 
Leighton,  March  18  ;  Arthur  Hennan  and  Thomas  Davidson  from  sch.  Gath- 
erer, March  31     all  on  the  Banks. 


82  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

1880. 

4  schooners  and  3  boats,  of  a  tonnage  of  300.44,  valued  at  $21,000  and 
insured  for  $15,972,  were  lost  this  year.  The  number  of  lives  lost  was  52. 
1  schooner  was  lost  in  the  Bank  halibut  fishery,  1  in  the  Winter  shore  fish- 
ery, 1  on  Georges  and  1  on  Cashe's.  1  fishing  boat  was  lost  on  Eastern 
Point,  1  on  the  coast  of  Maine,  and  1  was  run  down  and  sunk  in  Ipswich  Bay. 

Sch.  ANNIE  C.  NORWOOD,  60.05  tons,  owned  by  George  Norwood  & 
Son,  lost  on  Cashe's,  March  23.  Value,  $3,610;  insurance,  $3,310.  Crew 
list — Joseph  M.  Hurst,  master ;  Joseph  Garrett,  William  Isaac,  William 
Fardy,  David  Roberts,  Patrick  Neal,  James  Anderson,  George  Crawford, 
William  Holland,  Charles  Higgins,  Thomas  Orne,  Lawrence  Nelson,  Ed- 
ward W.  Wilson,  Charles  Armstrong. 

Sch.  NATHANIEL  WEBSTER,  76.04  tons,  owned  by  D.  C.  &  H.  Bab- 
son,  lost  on  a  Bank  halibuting  trip,  in  November.  Value,  $6,000;  insur- 
ance, $5,000.  Crew  list — Robert  C.  Grant,  master  ;  Hector  Mclsaac,  Chas. 
Bennett,  Charles  Hubley,  John  Frazier,  James  Grant,  Isaiah  Horton,  John 
McDonald,  John  Peoples,  Dominick  Mclsaac,  John  I.  Wilson,  John  Mc- 
Mullen,  Silas  McLellan,  and  a  Mr.  Jacobs. 

Sch.  OCEAN  BELLE,  67.02  tons,  owned  by  Sylvanus  Smith,  sprung 
aleak  and  sank  on  Georges,  March  26.  Crew  taken  off.  Value,  $3,192; 
insurance,  $2,992. 

Sch.  WINIFRED  J.  KING,  63.61  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  John  King, 
wrecked  in  the  Winter  shore  fishery  at  Brace's  Cove,  Feb.  3.  Crew  saved. 
Value,  $4,670;  insurance,  $4,470. 

Boat  BEE,  8.13  tons,  owned  by  William  Tarr,  lost  on  Eastern  Point, 
Nov.  19.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $300;  insurance,  $200. 

Boat  HARP,  10.88  tons,  owned  by  William  N.  Mace  and  William  P.  Den- 
nis, lost  on  Green  Island,  Me.,  March  27.     Crew  saved.     Uninsured. 

Boat  I  TELL  YE,  14.71  tons,  owned  by  George  J.  Tarr  &  Co.,  run  down 
and  sunk  in  Boston  Bay,  Oct.  27.     Value,  $2,000;  no  insurance. 

Lost  Overboard. — Emery  Hooper  washed  from  foreboom  of  sch.  Seth 
Stockbridge,  on  Grand  Bank,  in  March ;  Frank  Williams  fell  overboard  from 
sch.  E.  L.  Rowe,  April  17  ;  Capt.  Daniel  Rowe,  2d,  knocked  overboard  in 
Boston  Bay  from  sch.  Jennie  6*  Julia  (by  collision),  May  12  ;  Edward  Day 
washed  overboard  from  sch.  Frederic  Gerring,  Jr.,  on  the  Banks,  Sept.  9  ; 
Thomas  Anderson  washed  overboard  from  sch.  Epes  Tarr,  on  Grand  Bank, 
Nov.  7. 

Capsized  in  Dories. — Patrick  Harrigan  and  Allen  McGinnis  from  sch. 
Augusta  H.  Johnson,  Jan.  3  ;  William  Malloy,  John  Raymond  and  Jerry 
Simmons  from  sch.  Plymouth  Rock,  Jan.  7  ;  Stephen  Johnson  and  Augustus 
Hendrickson  from  sch.  Isaac  A.  Chapman,  Feb.  11  ;  Capt.  James  Nickerson 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  83 

and  James  Downing  from  sch.  Bellerophon,  in  February ;  Augustus  Ander- 
son from  sch.  Dav id  A.  Story,  Aug.  10  ;  all  in  the  Bank  fisheries. 

Died  in  Dory. — George  Nelson  from  sch.  Polar  Wave,  on  Banquereau, 
March  28. 

Lost  in  Dories  in  the  Fog. — Matthew  McDonald  and  Joseph  Merchant 
from  sch.  David  A.  Story,  on  the  Banks,  in  February ;  John  Higgins  and 
David  McDonald  from  sch.  Marion,  on  Western  Bank,  March  28  ;  Joseph 
Coffee  and  Charles  E.  Seebloom  from  sch.  Epes  Tarr,  on  Western  Bank, 
April  18  ;  William  Geary  and  John  Landry  from  sch.  Schuyler  Colfax,  on 
the  Banks,  Aug.  21. 

1881. 

8  vessels  and  56  lives  were  lost  this  year.  The  loss  of  tonnage  was 
511. 51.  Value,  $31,000.  Insurance,  $20,493.  Besides  these  losses,  the 
ANSON  STIMSON  of  Rockport,  a  fine  schooner  of  224.31  tons  burthen, 
belonging  to  the  Pigeon  Hill  Granite  Company,  was  wrecked  on  Brigantine 
Shoal  bar,  N.  J.,  Jan.  6,  on  the  passage  from  San  Domingo  for  New  York,, 
her  master,  Capt.  Albion  Sloman,  having  died  at  sea,  and  the  crew  of  six 
men  being  down  with  chills  and  fever,  leaving  only  the  mate  and  cook  to 
work  the  vessel.  The  Gloucester  losses  were :  4  in  the  Bank  fisheries,  1  in. 
the  shore  and  1  in  the  mackereling  fisheries,  and  1  engaged  in  coasting,  as. 
follows : 

•Sch.  CARRIE  S.  DAGLE,  74.53  tons,  owned  by  William  Parsons,  2dr. 
&  Co.,  lost  on  Western  Bank,  April  15.  Value,  $4,000;  insurance,  $3,375.. 
Crew  list — Richard  Richardson,  master;  John  F.  Deveau,  C.  A.  Bergman, 
Jeffrey  Bushey,  Thomas  Milford,  Edward  Jedrey,  John  McDonald,  Asaheli 
Landro,  George  W.  Kinch,  Eli  Thibadeau,  Hugh  York,  Coleman  Jennings. 

Sch.  GUY  CUNNINGHAM,  87.84  tons,  owned  by  Cunningham  & 
Thompson,  lost  on  Grand  Bank  in  August  or  September.  Value,  $7,000  ; 
insurance,  $5,985.  Crew  list — Daniel  O'Brien,  master  ;  John  C.  Hanson, 
Frank  Shivrie,  John  Proctor,  Niel  Walker,  Charles  Johnson,  John  Burns,, 
Andrew  Nelson,  Peter  Peterson,  Andrew  Serresten,  Henry  Cushing,  Loc 
McQuarrie,  Chas.  Baston. 

Sch.  CLARA  B.  WARREN,  51.67  tons,  owned  by  Mr.  William. J.  Nourse, 
wrecked  near  Catch  Harbor,  N.  S.,  Aug.  8,  while  returning  from  a  Bank, 
trip.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $3,000. 

Sch.  THRESHER,  80.10  tons,  owned  by  Daniel  Allen  &  Son,  engaged! 
in  the  Bank  fisheries,  stranded  and  burned  at  Cape  Sable,  Sept.  24.  Crew 
sav>ed.     Value,  $6,500;  insurance,  $5,500.     Wreck  sold  for  $36. 

Sch.  HIGHFLYER,  53.73  tons,  owned  by  Benjamin  Low,  wrecked  at 
Carver's  Harbor,  Me.,  with  a  cargo  of  frozen  herring  on.  board,  Jan.  10. 
Crew  saved.     Value,  $2,500;  insurance,  $1,500. 


84  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Sch.  VANGUARD,  40.47  tons,  owned  by  Edward  Contillon,  Samuel  G. 
Pool  and  William  H.  Gardner,  engaged  in  net-codfishing  in  Ipswich  Bay, 
wrecked  off  Rye  Beach,  March  19.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $1,800;  insur- 
ance, $900. 

Sch.  LIZZIE  K.  CLARK,  72.19  tons,  owned  by  Clark  &  Somes,  bound 
•South  on  a  mackereling  trip,  capsized  and  sunk  about  twenty  miles  southeast 
of  Barnegat,  March  25.     Crew  saved.     Value,  $5,000';  insurance,  $3,323. 

Sch.  LADY  FRANKLIN,  50.98  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Elias  Olson  and 
engaged  in  freighting  paving  stones,  sunk  off  Stanwood's  Point  in  Anni- 
squam  river,  July  11.     Wreck  sold  for  $150. 

Lost  Overboard. — John  White  washed  overboard  from  sch.  Willie  M. 
Stevens,  and  John  Weston  from  sch.  Martha  C,  in  January ;  John  Roper 
from  mainboom  of  sch.  Lizzie,  Feb.  2,  and  William  Riley,  washed  overboard 
from  sch.  Ocean  King,  Feb.  22  ;  Capt.  Robert  Ehler  of  sch.  Carthage,  caught 
by  foot-rope  on  mainboom  and  drawn  overboard,  off  Monhegan,  Nov.  27  ; 
all  in  the  Bank  fisheries.  Capt.  Horace  Merry  from  mainboom  of  sch. 
George  P.  Rust,  off  the  Isle  au  Haute,  April  1,  and  Michael  Sampson  washed 
overboard  from  sch.  Mary  E.  Daniels,  April  26,  in  the  Georges  fishery. 
Edward  Nickerson  fell  overboard  from  sch.  Hattie  N  Reed,  in  Portland 
harbor,  July  21,  in  the  mackerel  fishery.  John  A.  Johnson  from  sch.  Her- 
man Babson,  in  September,  on  the  return  trip  from  Greenland.  William 
Rooney,  cook  of  sch.  Addie  Emma,  fell  overboard  in  the  Bay  of  Fundy, 
Nov.  28. 

Capsized  in  Dories. — Charles  Bell  from  sch.  Bellerophon,  on  Banque- 
reau,  Jan.  28.  Elias  and  Peter  Landry,  brothers,  from  sch.  Fleur  de  Lis 
(shore  fishing),  in  attempting  to  cross  Newburyport  bar,  March  16.  Benja- 
min O'Hara  and  William  L.  Grant  from  sch.  Mist,  March  8 ;  Lewis  Dulong 
and  Charles  Richards  from  sch.  Webster  Sanborn,  June  23  ;  John  Guthrie 
and  Laughlin  Kennedy  from  sch.  Zenobia,  Aug.  2  ;  George  M.  Sigsworth 
from  sch.  Victor,  Aug.  12  ;  John  Frost  from  sch.  Plymouth  Rock,  Nov.  12  ; 
Albert  McKennon  from  sch.  Wachusett,  in  November ;  all  on  Grand  Bank. 
Joseph  Avenue,  in  November,  and  Henry  Burke,  John  Hayes,  Archie  Mc- 
Donald and  Barnard  Glenn,  Dec.  23,  from  sch.  Smuggler,  engaged  in  the 
shore  fisheries. 

Capt.  Warren  Guptill,  of  Gloucester,  master  of  sch.  Ella  of  Boston,  was 
lost  with  that  vessel  on  the  passage  from  Boston  for  Baracoa,  in  September ; 
William  Harrison  Card  of  Newcastle,  N.  H.,  engaged  for  some  fifteen  years 
in  the  Gloucester  fisheries,  was  mate  of  the  Ella.  Robert  Swain  was  lost 
overboard  from  sch.  Orient  of  Gloucester,  on  the  passage  from  Baracoa  for 
New  York,  in  January. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


85 


TABLE  OF  LOSSES  FOR  52  YEARS. 


Year. 

Vessels. 

Tonnage. 

Value. 

Insurance. 

Lives. 

1830 

3 

$5,600 

$3,100 

7 

1832 

1 

1,000 

1833 

1 

1,000 

1834 

1 

1,500 

4 

1836 

1 

1,000 

1837 

5 

10,100 

4,300 

21 

1838 

4 

7,100 

3,000 

kiJ* 

1839 

2 

3,800 

3,150 

4 

1840 

2 

3,800 

1,400 

6 

1841 

2 

2,725 

150 

8 

1842 

3 

2,000 

150 

1843 

3 

6,000 

2.000 

fio 

1844 

3 

4,800 

i;500 

7 

1845 

4 

4,500 

2,350 

8 

1846 

3 

4,900 

3,600 

15 

1847 

3 

6,203 

4,450 

1849 

2 

3,500 

2,200 

10 

1850 

4 

12,500 

10,300 

31 

1851 

9 

25,300 

21,800 

32 

1852 

13 

41,200 

37,100 

[40 

'  1853 

3 

10,000 

8,800 

1854 

4 

.14,600 

12,650 

;26 

1855 

7 

20.900 

16,100 

21 

1856 

6 

14,400 

11,475 

2 

1857 

5 

11,500 

7,750 

9 

1858 

7 

18,700 

8,537 

r42 

1859 

6 

21,900 

16,475 

36 

1860 

7 

26,350 

20,494 

74 

1861 

15 

54,250 

43,900 

44 

1862 

19 

66,500 

53,225 

162 

1863 

10 

40,700 

8,300 

6 

1864 

13 

98,900 

59,625 

84 

1865 

8 

504.93 

40,300 

32,400 

11 

1866 

15 

1,055.00 

114.250 

82,095 

26 

1867 

11 

844.57 

82,675 

59,069 

66 

1868 

4 

282.27 

35,000 

28,150 

39 

1869 

16 

858.81 

83,450 

54,887 

65 

1870 

13 

788.15 

75,200 

59,907 

97 

1871 

20 

1,035.93 

90,560 

78,253 

140 

1872 

12 

576.68 

55,400 

49,121 

63 

1873 

31 

1,624.55 

118,700 

100,918 

174 

1874 

10 

633.17 

49,100 

44,975 

68 

1875 

16 

1,050.91 

96,000 

81,326 

123 

1876 

27 

1,075.46 

150,000 

116,222 

212 

1877 

8 

722.33 

45,000 

22,000 

39 

1878 

13 

907.57 

64,794 

49,967 

56 

1879 

29 

1,893.36 

111,056 

90,582 

249 

1880 

7 

300.44 

21,000 

15,972 

52 

1881 

8 
419 

511.51 

31,000 

$1,810,710 

20,493 
$1,355,418 

56 

2,249 

86 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Welcome  Home. 

A  ROMANCE  IN  A  FISHERMAN'S  LIFE. 

BY    M.    W.    C. 

"You  will  not  be  angry,  dear  Janie,  if  I  leave  to-night?  There's  no  way 
out  of  it  for  me.  I  can  go  with  a  light  enough  heart  if  only  you'll  tell  me 
you  do  not  mind." 

"Nay,  I'll  not  be  angry,  David,  only  grieved,  deeply  grieved.  I  do  mind, 
for  you  know  I  had  counted  on  your  being  here  the  3d — " 

The  sweet  voice  faltered  here ;  the  blue  eyes  that  had  been  so  laughter- 
clear  and  bright,  an  hour  since,  grew  blurred  with  bitter  tears  under  the 
long  curled  hazel  lashes. 

"The  3d — Wednesday — is  the  day  we  wedded  six  years  ago,  David;  you 
remember  how  often  we  have  said  we  would  spend  that  day  together  here  in 
our  own  home." 

"Ay,  Janet >  but  you  would  not  have  me  shirk  a  trust?"  David  Colburn's 
clear  soul  looked  through  his  shining  eyes  as  he  spoke  these  words.  One 
could  see  that  his  resolve  was  fixed :  there  would  be  no  more  faltering  now 
for  him.  "The  fishing  schooner  Snow-Bird  leaves  port  to-night ;  her  own- 
ers do  not  believe  the  master,  Bradley,  to  be  trusty,  and  they  want  a  man 
on  board  who  can  lend  a  hand,  thwart  any  evil  designs  on  their  property, 
or  even  take  command  if  need  be.  That  man  whom  they  select  in  confi- 
dence is  I.     Now,  Janet,  shall  I  go?     You  say  the  word." 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  ■  87 

David  Colburn  looked  his  young  wife  steadily  in  the  face.  One  could 
see  that  he  had  small  doubt  what  that  word  would  be. 

"  I  say  the  word  ?  I  have  this  to  say,  God  love  thee  and  keep  thee,  dear 
David,  wherever  thou  art.     Ay !  and  He  will !     He  will ! " 

She  put  her  faithful  arms  about  his  neck  ;  her  truthful  eyes  looked  into  his. 

"But  now  tell  me,  in  plain  words,  you  are  not  angry;  say  just  the  words 
and  I'll  go  with  a  lighter  heart,  Janet." 

Again  that  strong,  sure  smile. 

"Not  angry;  no!  I  never  shall  be  angry  with  you,  David,  so  long  as  I 
know  you  are  doing  right.  And  now,"  she  went  on,  after  a  moment's  pause, 
"now  let  us  go  and  see  Dolly,  Dora  and  Davie." 

An  hour  later  David  Colburn  had  bade  good-bye  with  "  God  bless  thee  " 
to  his  wife  and  his  three  darling  little  ones,  and  his  wife's  triumphant  "  God 
keep  thee,  my  husband,"  still  sounded  soothingly  in  his  ears  as  he  walked 
down  to  the  wharf  where  the  waiting  schooner  Snow-Bird  lay. 

And  Janet,  for  all  her  brave  words  and  her  sure  faith — for  all  her  stern 
principle — carried  a  sore  heart  that  night.  She  went  about  her  duties  calm- 
ly, but  her  step  was  slow.  David  was  gone.  They  had  counted  on  living 
their  wedding  day  over  again  together,  to  make  that  one  day's  perfect  hap- 
piness in  their  newly  built  cottage  give  all  its  sweets  to  them  over  again  in 
talk  and  loving  memory — but  now  David  was  gone ! 

She  was  kneeling  at  dusk  on  the  hearth,  toasting  bread  for  the  children's 
supper.  Suddenly  a  heavy  step  sounded  from  the  walk,  then  came  a  quick 
knock  and  the  door  was  flung  rudely  open. 

"  Ho !  Janet.     Janet  Colburn !     Are  ye  there  ? " 

With  a  startled  cry  the  young  frightened  wife  sprang  up,  letting  her  toast- 
ing fork  and  her  bread  fall  back  upon  the  fire. 

"Kenneth  Foster!"  she  exclaimed,  falling  back  a  step  as  the  light  fell  on 
and  revealed  her  visitor's  face. 

"Ay,  it  is  I !  Your  memory  is  good,  Janet,  just  as  mine  is.  And  you  are 
all  alone.  I  came  to  see  how  you  look  in  widow's  tears.  You'll  make  a 
fine  widow,  Janet.  There's  many  a  man  will  be  seeking  for  your  hand  when 
the  year's  out.     The  widow  Colburn's  hand!" 

The  fair  face  of  the  listening  woman  had  grown  deadly  white  during  the 
uttering  of  this  man's  wild  words.  She  held  her  children  tight  to  her,  gath- 
ering strength  from  their  soft  touch  as  she  answered — her  voice,  too,  was 
gentle,  if  weak — 

"  I  am  alone  here  with  my  children,  as  you  see,  Mr.  Foster.  My  husband 
left  me  to-night.  I  ask  you  to  leave  me  till  he  comes  back ;  you  can  say 
what  you  wish  to  him  then." 

"Till  he  comes  back!"     Kenneth  Foster  repeated  her  words,  and  then 


88  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

he  broke  into  a  loud  and  brutal  laugh.  "  Do  you  know  when  your  husband 
will  come  back  to  you,  Mistress  Colburn?  It  will  be  when  you  have  finished 
this  life  and  gone  into  a  different  world.  There  will  be  other  seas  and  other 
skies,  other  men  and  other  women  about  you  in  the  world  where  you  will 
meet  David  Colburn,  and  you  will  have  to  wait  long!" 

The  young  wife  smiled  serenely  through  the  calm  pallor  of  her  face. 

"Wherever  he  may  be  it  will  be  well  with  him,  you  may  be  sure  of  that," 
she  said. 

"Even  if  it  be  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea ?"  retorted  Kenneth.  "Well, 
well,  Mistress  Janet,  I  bide  my  time.  You  refused  me  once,  when  I  asked 
you  to  be  my  wife  ;  be  sure  I  shall  not  ask  you  now  when  you  are  a  widow ! " 

Before  she  could  interrupt  him  he  went  on  in  a  wild  whirl  of  raging  words. 

"  Who  was  it  sent  your  husband  out  in  that  craft  ?  The  owners,  ay !  but 
/moved  them  to  it.  It  was  my  work  j  and  if,  some  fine  morning,  the  crew 
wake  to  find  themselves  sinking,  with  a  wild  sea  rushing  in,  and  no  help 
near,  why,  that  will  be  my  work,  too ! " 

Was  the  man  mad  that  he  should  say  this  thing?  What  was  it  he  meant? 
Was  it  truth — had  he  meant  to  scuttle  the  vessel — or  was  it  only  a  threat? 
Most  likely  only  that ;  a  threat  to  frighten  her— her,  a  helpless,  lonely  woman. 

She  pointed  to  the  door.  "You  have  forgotten  God!"  was  her  grand 
reply.  "My  husband  is  in  the  hands  of  One  whom  even  the  seas  obey. 
God  will  watch  over  him.     Now  go!" 

He  smiled  a  wicked  smile.  "I  wish  you  a  good  evening,  Mistress  Col- 
burn. Meanwhile,  your  bread  is  burning.  You  had  better  take  it  up,  for 
you  know  you  can't  burn  your  bread  and  eat  it  too." 

He  shut  the  door  and  went  out  into  the  clear  night ;  too  clear  and  calm 
and  sweet  for  such  a  man  as  he  to  enjoy,  walking  among  its  vines  and  nod- 
ding flowers,  looking  up  into  its  blue  heaven  to  the  far  mystery  of  its  stars. 

Meanwhile,  she  who  was  left  in  the  little  consecrated  home,  holding  the 
darling  heads  of  her  children  to  her  breast,  watched  and  waited  and  prayed 
through  lonely  hours.  "If  that  man's  story  were  true — but  no!  it  was  not 
true — it  was  a  threat,  a  trumped-up  story — prompted  by  jealous  rage." 

"  O  David ! "  she  cried,  "  the  very  storms  are  kind  to  thee  j  they  pass  thee 
by,  not  harming  one  so  kind  and  good." 

But  she  watched  the  sea,  the  clouds,  the  heavens,  as  she  had  never  done 
before.  She  waited  for  news  that  came  not :  and  then  a  morning  came 
when  she  awoke  to  find  the  rain  pouring,  the  wind  tearing,  the  sea  plunging 
and  the  black  sky  wracked  with  stormy  clouds. 

"David,"  she  moaned,  falling  on  her  knees,  "David,  where  art  thou?  O, 
my  husband,  will  the  sea  take  thee,  leaving  me  uncomforted  ? " 

But  the  sea  had  no  answer  for  her.     The  husband  on  whom  she  called 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK  89 

was  far  away.     Not  drowned ;  ah,  no !     Not  buried  under  any  mountain 

wave,  cold  food  for  fishes.     He  had  seen  lonely  hours — night  and  day  when 

at  his  work  his  thoughts  were  with  his  dear  ones  left  at  home  ;  in  his  dreams, 

too,  he  was  ever  with  them.     His  comrades  chided  him  for  his  lack  of 

sociability ;  he  had  no  heart  for  mirth.     His  greatest  pleasure  was  in  the 

reading  of  his  Bible  and  in  singing  the  tender  songs  Janet  loved.     Those 

songs  were  always  tender,  always  telling  of  love  and  home.     For  there  have 

been  some  stirring  sea-songs  written — written  by  men  who  were  never  on 

the  sea — but  they  are  not  the  songs  sailors  sing.     The  sea-beaten,  homesick 

sailor  does  not  turn  to  "A  Life  on  the  Ocean  Wave"  for  consolation  when 

he  thinks  of  the  faces  he  leaves  behind  the  curtain  of  the  home  window. 

" The  sea,  the  sea,  the  open  sea! 
I  am  where  I  would  ever  be ; 
****** 
T  love,  O  how  I  love  to  ride 
On  the  fierce,  foaming,  bursting  tide," 

are  heartless  mockery,  an  unmeaning  gibberish,  to  the  man  who  has  fought 

for  very  life,  with  death  behind  him,  in  the  sleet  and  hail  and  crashing  ice 

on  Georges,  or  in  the  polar  seas.     For  him  the  homely  ballad  of  "Wapping 

Old   Stairs"  tells  a  dearer   story.     Molly,  who   says   she'll  be  true  and 

promises, 

"Your  breeches  I'll  mend,  and  your  grog,  too,  I'll  make," 

is  the  dearest  sweetheart,  and  her  blue  eyes  shine  across  the  night  and  storm. 

Meanwhile,  Janet  watched  and  prayed.  With  her  children  she  braved 
the  wind  and  storm,  and  went  to  the  water-side  to  be  near  him.  She 
stretched  her  arms  out,  and  her  hot  tears  fell  on  the  rocks  where  she  stood. 

"O  sea!"  she  sobbed,  "Spare  him!  he  loved  you  always ;  he  has  trusted 
you  in  your  wildest  anger,  in  your  darkest  moods  ;  spare  him  now ! ' ' 

Bye-and-bye  came  rumors,  brought  by  an  old  fisherman,  of  a  schooner 
drifting  at  the  mercy  of  the  storm — a  disabled  craft,  which  the  gale  pre- 
vented rendering  assistance,  and  when  it  was  over  she  was  not  to  be  seen, 
and  it  was  doubtful  if  she  ever  returned  to  port. 

Bye-and-bye  other  news  came  that  it  was  the  Snow-Bird — but  there  were 
good  men  on  board  of  her,  and  there  was  hope  that  she  might  yet  be  heard 
from. 

And  Janet  heard.  O  God,  pity  the  tortured  hearts  of  woman  at  such 
times  as  these.  She  went  from  fisherman  to  fisherman,  as  they  got  into 
port.     They  turned  away,  shivering,  from  her  sad  eyes. 

"Was  there  no  way  to  help  those  drowning  men  out  there?  Could  noth- 
ing be  done?  Must  they  stand  idle,  watching,  while  vessel  and  men  went 
down  before  their  eyes?" 

Poor  wife!     And  there  were  others,  too,  other  hearts  trembling,  other 


9° 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


eyes  of  women  weeping,  other  lips  of  wives  and  daughters  calling  on  dear 
names. 

The  night  came  on  with  a  gale,  and  the  last  that  Janet  saw  or  heard  was 
that  the  vessel  supposed  to  be  the  Snow-Bird  had  been  blown  off  and  was 
drifting  out  of  sight. 

u  She's  doomed ! "  an  old  fisherman  said,  turning  away  from  the  darkening 
view.     "She'll  go  down  !  there's  no  help  for  it." 

Janet  heard ;  she  looked  about  her  with  a  sickly,  piteous  smile,  as  though 
asking  for  help  for  her  own  misery ;  then  she  fell  down  in  a  lifeless  heap 
on  the  wet  stones. 

Kindly  hands  lifted  her  up  and  strong  arms  bore  her  home.  On  her  bed 
she  lay  for  long  hours,  her  children  by  her  side.  She  lay  in  a  sort  of  stupor 
— she  saw  the  blaze  of  the  fire,  she  heard  voices  and  footsteps  coming  and 
going,  through  the  night.  But  her  mind  was  torpid — she  only  realized  one 
fear,  that  David  was  lost,  and  she — 

"He  called  me  a  widow,"  she  rambled  on  feebly.  "He  said  I  was  a 
widow.  What  is  a  widow?  Is  it  a  woman  whose  heart  is  broken?  Then 
I  am  one!     Oh!" 

She  put  her  hand  to  her  brow,  and  then  a  merciful  sleep  came  over  her, 
and  she  dreamed  a  sweet  dream — that  David  had  returned. 


She  awoke !     The  storm  had  cleared  away  and  the  morning  sun  was  steal- 
ing into  the  bed-room  window.     Some  one  said  the  Snow-Bird  had  just 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  91 

come  to  anchor.  Her  heart  gave  one  happy  rebound,  and  she  arose  and 
soon  dressed  herself  and  the  children,  and  looking  out,  saw  the  well-known 
vessel  swinging  at  her  anchor  off  the  Point,  with  her  mainsail  swaying  in 
the  light  morning  breeze.  She  also  saw  a  well-known  form  rowing  ashore 
in  a  dory  which  some  kind  neighbor  had  tendered  him  the  use  of. 

Grasping  the  baby  in  her  arms,  with  the  other  little  one  by  her  side,  and 
Davie  running  on  ahead,  she  hastens  down  the  pathway  to  the  beach  to 
meet  her  husband,  for  it  was  he !  It  seemed  to  her  that  he  had  really  come 
back  from  another  world.     He  cries  out,  "Janet,  my  wife!  my  good  wife!" 

And  then  she  knew  that  it  was  no  dream,  for  she  was  in  his  arms.  His 
dear  face  was  pressed  close  to  hers,  and  she  was  so  happy. 

"David,  my  husband!"  and  he  answered,  "God  is  good;  here  are  wife 
and  children.     What  more  can  I  want?" 

And  they  walked  up  to  the  little  cottage — this  united  family — and  David 
explained  how  the  Captain  and  part  of  the  crew  put  into  an  out-of-the-way 
port,  and  sold  most  of  the  trip  and  nearly  all  the  moveable  articles  on  the 
vessel  and  pocketed  the  money  and  decamped — how  he,  in  pursuance  to 
instructions  from  the  owner,  then  took  possession  and  started  home ;  how, 
when  twenty-four  hours  out  from  port,  during  a  fresh  breeze,  they  found  her 
leaking  badly ;  how  the  leak  increased  as  the  storm  grew  worse,  and  it 
seemed  as  if  they  must  go  to  the  bottom ;  how  his  faithful  men  pumped  and 
strove  to  stop  the  leak,  and  when  it  seemed  as  if  their  efforts  were  fruitless, 
and  they  must  disappear  beneath  the  seething  waters,  they  found  three  holes 
which  had  been  bored  through  the  vessel's  bottom  and  had  been  partially 
filled  with  a  substance  which  the  action  of  the  water  had  set  free  ;  how  these 
holes  were  stopped  and  the  staunch  vessel,  being  freed  from  the  water,  was 
herself  again,  and  they  got  her  safely  into  port. 

The  plot  had  been  revealed  to  Kenneth  Foster,  and  he  was  hoping  that 
it  would  be  successful,  and  when  he  found  that  it  was  not,  and  David  Col- 
burn  had  come  back — he  left  the  town  and  never  returned.  His  cowardly 
heart  failed  him — he 'could  not  look  honest  David  Colburn  and  his  faithful 
wife  in  the  face,  after  what  had  transpired. 

And  David  was  well  remembered  by  the  owners  of  the  Snow-Bird.  They 
reckoned  rightly.  Without  his  efforts  the  vessel  would  have  been  lost. 
They  therefore  gave  him  a  bill  of  sale  of  one-third  of  her,  and  remembered 
the  crew  with  a  handsome  sum,  and  David  for  many  years  pursued  his  call- 
ing in  this  vessel,  making  good  returns. 

And  Janet  was  one  of  the  happiest  little  women  in  all  the  town. 


92 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


The  Fisher-Boy  in  the  Storm. 

The  above  spirited  picture  illustrates  a  narrative  given  by  an  English 
fisherman.  At  that  time  he  resided  in  one  of  the  fishing  towns  on  that 
coast,  and  the  lad,  fourteen  years  of  age,  the  only  son  of  his  widowed  mother, 
got  so  well  used  to  managing  his  father's  boat,  that  in  the  event  of  not 
being  able  to  get  any  one  to  accompany  him,  he  would,  in  pleasant  weather, 
run  off  on  the  grounds  alone  and  catch  his  fare  of  fish. 

One  day  he  started  out  with  the  rest  of  the  boats,  and  running  off  farther 
than  most  of  them,  succeeded  in  catching  an  extra  fare.  Just  as  he  was 
about  getting  ready  to  run  in,  a  terrible  storm  suddenly  came  on.  The  other 
boats  being  nearer  in,  ran  for  the  land  and  escaped  the  worst  of  it ;  but  he, 
poor  fellow,  having  to  get  underway  alone,  was  exposed  to  the  full  fury  of 
the  storm.  Anxious  eyes  watched  his  coming,  and  some  of  the  fishermen 
volunteered  to  go  out  after  him.  The  little  fellow  lost  his  hat,  but  not  his 
courage.  With  a  fair  wind  he  kept  her  well  before  it,  minding  well  his 
helm,  as  his  father  had  taught  him.  The  lightning's  livid  flashes  and  the 
roar  of  the  thunder  were  not  calculated  to  make  his  situation  very  agree- 
able ;  but  he  heeded  them  not,  and  carried  her  bravely  in,  clearing  the  bar 
and  running  her  safely  up  to  the  landing  place.  Here  he  was  met  by  his 
anxious  mother,  who  clasped  her  darling  to  her  breast,  thanking  God  for  his 
safe  return. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  93 


Halibut  Fishing  Among  the  Ice  Floes. 

BY   J.    W.    COLLINS. 

It  is  not  unusual,  after  a  Winter  of  exceptional  severity,  for  large  masses 
of  field  ice  to  drift  across  the  eastern  fishing  banks,  especially  Banquereau 
and  the  Grand  Bank.  This  was  especially  the  case  in  the  Springs  of  1875 
and  1876,  when,  for  several  weeks,  a  large  portion  of  the  fishing  grounds 
frequented  by  the  halibut  fishermen  was  inaccessible  to  them.  Many  singu- 
lar adventures  were  experienced  by  the  crews  of  the  ice-beleaguered  vessels, 
which  still  form  the  subject  of  conversation  among  the  fishermen.  The 
inconvenience  and  peril,  which  was  felt  very  severely  at  first  by  the  fisher- 
men, was,  however,  more  than  counterbalanced ;  for  there  can  be  no  ques- 
tion but  what  these  floes  of  drifting  ice  hastened  the  discovery  of  the  "  Deep 
Water  "  halibut  grounds,  which  have  since  that  time  yielded  such  a  rich  har- 
vest. At  any  rate,  the  practice  of  fishing  in  deep  water  on  the  Banks  by 
the  halibut  fleet  dates  from  the  time  and  circumstances  which  are  here 
described,  though  one  or  two  vessels  had  made  previous  trials. 

The  writer  was  in  the  sch.  Howard  in  the  Spring  of  1875,  and  the  account 
here  given  of  events  connected  with  the  appearance  of  the  immense  ice  floe, 
and  also  of  icebergs,  upon  the  Grand  Bank,  is  principally  taken  from  a 
letter  describing  some  of  the  incidents  of  that  occasion. 

We  were  detained  from  sailing  on  our  second  trip  that  winter  (1874-5) 
by  easterly  winds  for  two  weeks  or  more,  and  when  we  reached  the  Grand 
Bank,  about  the  middle  of  March,  the  whole  of  the  Bank  north  of  lat.  44 
deg.  25  min.  N.,  was  covered  with  heavy  masses  of  field  ice.  About  the 
time  we  arrived  on  the  ground  the  fish  left,  probably  being  driven  by  the 
ice  floes  which  slowly  moved  southward,  reaching  at  one  time  as  far  south 
as  lat.  43  deg.  40  min.  N.,  in  the  middle  of  the  Bank,  and  causing  the  fish- 
ermen much  anxiety  and  more  or  less  loss  of  gear,  by  unexpectedly  drifting 
on  their  anchored  vessels  during  the  night.  On  one  occasion  a  number  of 
vessels  tried  to  skirt  the  ice  and  get  around  it,  so  as  to  reach  the  northwest 
part  of  the  Bank,  but  towards  night  of  the  day  on  which  the  attempt  was 
made,  a  northeast  gale  and  heavy  snowstorm  came  on,  and  we  all  lay  to 
under  the  lee  of  the  ice,  which  made  the  sea  quite  smooth.  The  next  day 
we  found  the  floe  had  been  driven  so  far  south  by  the  gale  that  we  did  not 
again  attempt  to  get  by  to  the  northwest  of  it,  but  eight  vessels  having  met 
together  at  the  southern  edge  of  the  ice,  all  of  the  skippers  went  on  board 
of  the  sch.  Augusta  H.Johnson  to  talk  over  the  situation.     After  deliberating 


94  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK, 

awhile,  each  returned  to  his  own  vessel,  and  while  some  of  us  ran  to  the 
southward,  others  laid  by,  waiting  for  the  ice  to  recede  to  the  northward. 
We  ran  down  to  lat.  43  deg.  30  min.  N.  and  long.  50  deg.  30  min.  W.,  but 
could  find  no  fish.  We  were  there  some  days  before  the  weather  permitted 
us  to  try,  and  after  we  hauled  our  gear  we  got  underway,  with  a  southerly 
wind,  and  ran  for  the  western  edge  of  the  Bank,  intending  to  strike  it  north 
of  lat.  44  deg.  N.  A  careful  lookout  for  ice  was  kept.  That  evening  we 
spoke  the  sch.  Edwin  C.  Dolliver  at  anchor  in  seventy  fathoms,  and  lay  by 
her  for  the  night.  The  next  morning  we  made  sail,  spoke  the  Dolliver  again, 
and  also  the  schs.  Chester  R.  Lawrence  and  Restless.  The  first  two  were  lying 
at  anchor  in  sixty  to  seventy  fathoms  of  water,  and  the  Restless  lay  in  forty- 
nine  fathoms.     Neither  of  them  caught  any  halibut. 

The  ice,  driven  by  the  southerly  wind,  had  at  this  time  drifted  back  to 
about  45  deg.  N.  lat,  and  we  worked  to  the  westward  in  company  with  sev- 
eral other  schooners,  among  which  were  the  Restless,  Edwin  C.  Dolliver, 
Alfred  Walen,  N  H.  Phillips  and  John  S.  Presson;  all  of  them  setting  trawls 
under  sail  in  the  day,  and  anchoring  and  setting  their  gear  at  night.  In  this 
manner  the  fleet  beat  slowly  to  the  westward  against  a  moderate  breeze,  for 
several  days,  trying  for  fish  in  water  varying  from  forty-eight  to  seventy 
fathoms  in  depth,  but  catching  nothing.  The  water  was  so  intensely  cold 
that  the  frozen  baits  on  the  trawls  would  scarcely  thaw  when  set  in  fifty 
fathoms  of  water,  or  less,  and  we  were  almost  forced  to  believe  that  the  fish 
had  all  been  driven  entirely  off  of  the  Bank  by  the  great  ice  field,  and  the 
straggling  icebergs.  The  latter  were  occasionally  seen  in  the  deep  water 
off  the  edge  of  the  Bank. 

One  day  we  passed  by  a  large  berg,  about  a  third  of  a  mile  distant  from 
it.  On  one  end  of  it  a  sharp  pinnacle,  resembling  the  spire  of  a  church, 
ran  up  to  a  height  of  seventy-five  or  eighty  feet ;  the  middle  was  quite  low, 
but  the  other  end  rose  in  a  bunch  or  hummock  about  twenty  feet  above  the 
water.  The  sunlight,  playing  on  this  huge  mass  of  ice,  throwing  lights  and 
shadows  here  and  there,  causing  the  peaks  to  glitter  and  gleam  for  a  mo- 
ment, then  darken  to  a  greenish  tint,  and  its  constantly  changing  aspect  as 
we  sailed  by  it,  made  it  an  interesting  and  impressive  sight.  But  the 
thought  that  it,  or  some  of  its  fellows,  might  drive  down  on  us  some  foggy 
and  windy  night,  when  we  were  at  anchor,  caused  us  to  look  upon  it  with  a 
sense  of  dread  and  apprehension  instead  of  the  admiration  we  might  have 
felt  in  watching  such  ah  object  under  different  circumstances.1* 

On  the  last  day  of  March  we  all  set  our  trawls  as  usual — some  of  the  ves- 


*A  few  weeks  later  it  was  a  common  occurrence  for  the  halibut  catchers  to  shift  their 
position  to  avoid  coming  in  collision  with  icebergs.  On  some  occasions  the  vessels  were 
obliged  to  move  a  short  distance  two  or  three  times  in  one  night. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  95 

sels  being  at  anchor  and  others  under  sail — but  no  fish  were  caught  by  any 
of  the  fleet,  and  before  dark  all  of  the  schooners  which  had  been  at  anchor 
got  underway.  The  wind  was  north-northeast,  blowing  a  fresh  breeze,  and, 
knowing  the  ice  was  not  far  off  in  a  northerly  direction,  no  one  would  have 
cared  to  remain  anchored,  even  had  there  been  greater  inducement  to  do 
so.  We  were  then  on  nearly  the  extreme  northwest  peak  of  the  Grand 
Bank,  and  the  question  was  where  to  go  next,  for  I  do  not  think  it  occurred 
to  any  one  then  to  try  in  deeper  water  than  we  had  previously  set  in.  Sch. 
Edwin  C.  Dolliver  went  back  to  the  eastward  again,  but  others  of  the  fleet 
hung  around,  speaking  with  each  other,  the  skippers  evidently  uncertain  in 
what  direction  to  steer. 

Having  spoken  the  sch.  Carrie  P.  Morton,  which  came  driving  along  from 
the  eastward,  just  at  dark,  and  learned  that  no  fish  had  been  caught  by  the 
vessels  farther  east,  I  decided  to  "hold  our  ground"  till  morning.  We 
accordingly  hove  to  alongside  of  the  Alfred  Walen,  which  was  also  lying  to. 
As  day  broke  on  the  following  morning  (All  Fools'  Day)  we  saw  a  schooner 
at  anchor  and  ran  down  to  her  in  company  with  the  Walen.  Finding  the 
anchored  vessel  was  the  Restless,  we  hove  to,  and  Captain  Thompson  and  I, 
each  of  us  accompanied  by  three  or  four  men  of  our  respective  crews,  went 
aboard  of  her  for  a  "gam"*  with  the  skipper  and  crew.  She  was  anchored 
in  eighty-three  fathoms  of  water,  and  her  crew  were  just  setting  their  trawls 
when  we  ran  down  to  her.  The  skipper  of  the  Restless  said  he  broke  out 
his  anchor  the  evening  before  and  let  her  drift  until  the  latter  part  of  the 
night,  when,  finding  deep  water,  he  let  it  go  again.  We  stayed  on  board  of 
the  Restless  until  some  of  her  dories  returned  from  hauling,  about  10  A.  M., 
when,  seeing  that  they  were  getting  fair  fishing  on  the  gear  that  was  in  the 
deepest  water,  we  both  returned  to  our  own  vessels,  and  set  under  sail  out- 
side of  the  Restless. 

We  were  in  one  hundred  and  fifteen  fathoms,  which  was  then  thought  to 
be  a  great  depth  to  fish  in,  but  the  Walen  went  still  farther  out,  in  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty-five  fathoms.  We  caught  about  4,000  pounds  of  halibut  on 
a  short  set,  and  anchored;  and  the  Walen,  as  I  afterwards  learned,  got 
8,000  pounds  or  more,  and  also  came  to  anchor.  In  the  meantime  schs.  John 
S.  Presson,  William  T.  Merchant,  Lizzie  K.  Clark  of  Gloucester,  and  the 
George  Peabody  of  Salem,  made  their  appearance  on  the  scene  of  action,! 
and  anchored  at  no  great  distance  to  the  northwest  and  southeast  of  us. 
The  Lizzie  K.  Clark  had  a  fair  berth  (about  two  miles)  to  the  north-north- 


*A  term  in  use  among  whalemen  (and  by  ex-whaleman  on  fishing  vessels),  signifying  a 
chat  between  the  masters  and  crews  of  different  vessels.  Sometimes  a  tete-a-tete  between 
chums  on  the  saras  vessel  is  called  "  gamming." 

fOur  position  was  44  deg.  45  min.  N.  latitude,  and  53  dig.  53  min.  W.  longitude. 


96  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

west.  The  afternoon  was  fine,  with  a  moderate  and  decreasing  northeast 
wind,  and  current  setting  to  the  northwest  or  north-northwest.  Knowing 
full  well  that  the  first  vessel  arriving  home  with  a  trip  would  be  likely  to 
strike  a  high  market,  and  of  course  wishing  to  be  the  first,  we  set  twenty 
skates  of  trawl — the  whole  string — in  the  evening,  not  dreaming  that  there 
was  any  ice  in  a  southerly  direction  from  us. 

The  next  morning  was  fine  and  calm,  but  cool.  We  had  our  breakfast 
before  daylight,  and  just  as  day  was  breaking  an  ice  "glin"  was  noticed  in 
the  southern  board,  and  when  it  grew  lighter  an  immense  field  of  ice  could 
be  seen  drifting  toward  us  with  the  current,  which  still  ran  north-northwest. 
Of  course,  the  first  thing  to  be  thought  of  was  to  get  our  gear,  if  possible,  or, 
at  least,  as  much  of  it  as  we  could.  We  hoisted  the  dories  out  and  started 
at  once.  One  of  the  crew  had  had  a  fainting  fit  the  evening  before,  which 
made  him  quite  ill,  and  I  was  therefore  obliged  to  go  in  a  dory  in  his  stead. 
Before  leaving  the  vessel  I  gave  the  men  orders  to  get  all  the  gear  they 
could,  and  if  the  ice  came  on  them  to  cut  and  go  aboard.  The  trawl  that 
we  went  to  haul  was  off  the  starboard  quarter,  four  points  abaft  the  beam. 
We  pulled  for  the  outer  end,  and,  on  reaching  it,  began  to  haul  as  though 
our  lives  depended  on  our  efforts. 

We  succeeded  in  getting  a  skate  and  a  half  of  trawl — about  500  fathoms— 
in  the  boat,  when  we  saw  the  flag  in  the  rigging  of  our  schooner,  which  we 
knew  was  a  signal  for  us  to  return  to  the  vessel,  as  the  ice  was  nearing  her 
fast.  We  instantly  cut  the  trawl,  took  our  oars,  and  pulled  with  all  our 
might  to  reach  the  vessel  before  the  ice  did.  Another  dory  which  was  near 
us  started  about  the  same  time,  and  we  both  met  the  ice  about  six  hundred 
feet  astern  of  our  schooner.  When  the  ice  passed  the  vessel  the  men  on 
board  had  the  presence  of  mind  to  throw  a  buoy,  to  which  a  line  was  fast- 
ened, on  one  of  the  leeward  cakes  of  the  floe.  This  buoy  we  got  hold  of 
and  made  it  fast  to  the  bow  of  the  head  dory,  securing  the  bow  of  the  other 
boat  close  to  the  stern  of  the  front  one.  The  current  was  running  at  least 
two  knots,  and  the  buoy  line  being  under  the  ice  near  the  buoy,  we  had  a 
hard  struggle  for  some  time  to  make  any  progress  toward  the  vessel,  and  to 
get  the  line  on  top  of  the  ice.  The  men  on  the  vessel  held  a  strain  on  the 
line,  while  we  jumped  out  of  the  head  dory  onto  the  ice,  sometimes  hauling 
the  boats  over  the  larger  cakes,  and  again  shoving  the  smaller  pieces  clear 
of  the  dories  and  line.  The  ice  was  broken  into  sections  of  all  sizes,  from 
a  piece  of  a  few  pounds  weight  to  one  fifty  feet  in  diameter  and  six  to  ten 
feet  thick.  In  this  manner  we  worked,  tugged  and  pulled,  never  resting  for 
a  moment,  until  at  last  we  had  the  line  clear  and  above  the  ice,  when  it 
became  a  comparatively  easy  matter  to  reach  the  vessel. 

After  getting  on  deck  we  found  one  of  the  George  Peabody's  and  one  of 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  97 

the  William  T.  Merchant's  dories  aboard  of  our  vessel,  while  one  of  our 
dories,  which  had  held  on  to  the  trawl  too  long,  had  to  seek  a  refuge  on 
board  of  the  Lizzie  K.  Clark.  After  our  dories  were  taken  in  we  had  a  bet- 
ter chance  to  view  the  scene,  which  certainly  had  a  decidedly  arctic  appear- 
ance. As  far  as  the  eye  could  extend  from  aloft,  in  a  southern  and  eastern 
direction,  an  almost  unbroken  mass  of  drifting  field  ice  was  all  that  could 
be  seen.  Here  and  there,  however,  a  small  streak  or  pond  of  water  added 
a  little  diversity  to  the  otherwise  monotonous  appearance  of  the  frozen 
ocean. 

All  of  the  forenoon  and  the  first  hours  of  the  afternoon  the  ice  kept  drift- 
ing by  us,  being  carried  along  with  the  current.  But  our  anchor  held  fast, 
though  the  strain  was  great  on  our  cable  as  the  heavy  masses  of  ice  came 
up  against  the  bows  and  went  grinding,  gritting  and  groaning  along  the  ves- 
sel's side.  After  a  while  a  moderately  sized  open  space  was  seen  ahead, 
and  as  it  approached  us  the  men  belonging  to  the  Peabody  and  Merchant 
anxiously  watched  it,  being  very  desirous  to  reach  their  respective  vessels, 
which  were  not  far  off.     In  this  they  succeeded. 

A  moderate  breeze  sprang  up  in  the  afternoon,  and  the  Lizzie  K.  Clark, 
getting  into  one  of  the  clear  streaks,  got  Underway  and  worked  up  abreast 
of  us,  when  she  forced  her  way  through  the  ice,  passing  close  alongside, 
dropping  our  dory,  which  came  aboard  all  right. 

Meanwhile,  we  had  hove  short  on  our  cable,  and  seeing  an  open  place  to 
windward,  were  all  ready  to  break  out  our  anchor  as  soon  as  the  opening 
came  near  enough  to  us.  We  waited  only  a  short  time  before  we  got  under- 
way, after  which  we  stood  back  and  forth  along  the  weather  edge  of  the 
ice,  watching  for  the  trawl  buoys  to  make  their  appearance,  and  as  fast  as 
they  did,  sent  a  dory  to  haul  the  trawl. 

This  area  of  clear  water  was  of  considerable  extent,  and,  since  the  current 
did  not  run  so  swiftly  as  before,  we  had  a  very  good  chance  to  work.  How- 
ever, the  ice  was  down  on  us  again  before  we  got  all  the  gear,  but  the  men 
stuck  to  it,  and,  as  there  was  a  fine  sailing  breeze,  the  vessel  could  force 
her  way  through  the  floe  quite  well.  It  was  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening 
when  the  last  dory  came  aboard — the  others  had  finished  hauling  their  gear 
before  dark.  The  ice  was  all  around  this  boat  during  the  evening,  but  we 
kept  near  to  her,  though  it  required  close  calculation  to  keep  the  run  of  her 
in  the  darkness.  The  men  in  her  got  the  whole  of  their  gear,  and,  notwith- 
standing the  unfavorable  appearance  of  things  in  the  morning,  we  lost  only 
one  skate  of  trawl.  When,  at  last,  all  hands  were  safely  on  board,  and  we 
were  seated  at  the  supper  table,  the  incidents  and  anxieties  of  the  day  be- 
came the  subjects  of  an  animated  conversation,  and  each  one  had  a  yarn  to 
spin  in  relation  to  his  experience  during  the  day. 


98  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

In  the  meantime,  the  crews  of  the  other  vessels  had  not  been  idle,  for, 
taking  advantage  of  any  favorable  circumstance,  they  had  endeavored,  like 
ourselves,  to  haul  their  trawls.  Three  of  the  Alfred  Walen' s  crew  had  a 
narrow  escape  from  what  promised  much  suffering,  if  not  death.  They  were 
Philip  Merchant,  William  Furley  and  Thomas  Olsen.  When  the  area  of 
clear  water,  that  I  have  before  spoken  of,  came  along,  they  started  out  to 
get  their  trawl,  the  vessel  still  remaining  at  anchor.  They  were  caught  in 
the  ice,  and  although  they  held  on  to  the  trawl,  which  was  the  only  thing 
they  could  do,  the  floe  carried  them  adrift,  and  their  chances  to  reach  their 
vessel  again  were  looking  slim,  when,  late  in  the  afternoon,  the  Lizzie  K. 
Clark  spoke  the  Walen,  and  the  skipper  of  the  latter  requested  Captain 
Murphy  (as  his — Murphy's — vessel  was  under  sail)  to  go  to  their  assistance. 
The  Clark  immediately  kept  off,  but  as  she  had  to  force  her  way  through 
the  ice,  it  was  just  growing  dark  when  she  reached  the  drifting  boat,  and 
past  nine  o'clock  when  she  got  back  to  the  Walen.  The  dory  was  nearly 
three  miles  from  the  Walen  when  picked  up,  and  such  a  timely  rescue  must 
have  been  gratefully  appreciated  by  men  fatigued,  hungry  and  chilled  to  the 
marrow. 

After  the  Clark  reached  the  Walen  she  made  fast  to  the  stern  of  the  lat- 
ter with  a  long  warp  for  the  night,  the  only  instance  of  one  vessel  lying  fast 
to  another  on  the  Grand  Bank  I  ever  knew  of,  and  I  think  the  only  one  on 
record.* 

We  kept  under  sail  during  the  night  succeeding  the  day  of  which  I  have 
been  writing,  and  held  our  position  by  observing  the  riding  lights  of  the 
other  vessels.  The  following  morning  we  anchored.  We  had  foggy  weather 
after  this  for  the  three  days  we  stayed  there,  which  made  trawling  somewhat 
dangerous ;  for,  although  the  main  floe  had  passed  by,  detached  pieces  and 
long  narrow  streaks  of  ice  kept  coming  along,  and,  oftentimes,  when  the 
dories  were  caught  to  leeward  of  these,  the  men  had  great  difficulty  in  work- 
ing their  way  through  or  over  them.  Frequently  the  boats  had  to  be  hauled 
over  the  ice  for  a  distance  of  one  or  two  hundred  yards.  This  trouble  was 
increased  by  the  denseness  of  the  fog,  which  shut  out  from  view  all  but  the 
nearest  objects,  and  the  fisherman  leaving  the  side  of  his  vessel  felt  that 
the  thick  mist,  which  hung  like  a  pall  over  the  face  of  the  sea,  rendered  his 
task  more  perilous  and  uncertain  than  ever  before,  hiding  as  it  might  a  vast 
floe  of  ice  which  would  carry  him  away  with  it  to  drift  helplessly  until  he 
succumbed  to  cold  and  hunger.  Fortunately,  however,  no  more  serious  ad- 
venture occurred  than  that  already  mentioned,  though  the  men  comprising 
the  crews  of  the  entire  fleet  did  not  hesitate  to  brave  the  unknown  perils 
incident  to  the  occasion. 


♦The  ice  made  the  water  as  smooth  as  a  mill  pond. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


99 


All  of  the  vessels  secured  good  fares  of  halibut,  and  some  made  large 
stocks.  The  rough  experience  of  some  of  the  fleet  in  the  ice  was  apparent 
on  their  return  home,  when  it  could  be  seen  that  the  planking  at  the  water's 
edge  was  badly  chafed  and  cut,  in  some  cases  necessitating  repairs. 

A  funny  incident  occurred  one  evening  on  board  of  our  vessel,  during  the 
fog-mull  to  which  allusion  has  been  made,  when  a  man  of  undoubted  pluck 
and  hardihood  literally  got  scared  at  his  own  shadow.  Sometime  during 
the  day  the  fog  had  lifted  for  a  short  time,  disclosing  to  our  view  a  number 
of  French  brigs  and  barques  slowly  working  their  way  along  the  ice  towards 
St.  Pierre.  The  fog  soon  shut  down  again,  and  the  moonless  and  starless 
night  was  as  black  as  pitch.  Having  obtained  a  good  catch  of  halibut  in 
the  afternoon,  we  were  busily  engaged  in  dressing  them  until  quite  late  in 
the  evening.  Owing  to  the  darkness  a  light  had  to  be  held  for  each  "scrub- 
gang"  so  that  the  "scrubber"  could  be  sure  that  the  fish  were  properly 
cleaned.  I  was  holding  the  lantern  for  one  gang,  standing  inboard  and 
close  to  the  scrubber,  who,  busily  employed  in  his  work,  stood  in  a  stooping 
position  facing  aft.  Suddenly  he  .straightened  up  and  (possibly  with  the- 
French  vessels  in  mind)  cast  a  quick  look  out  on  the  port  side  into  the 
dense  fog,  upon  which  his  shadow,  reflected  from  the  light  behind  him, 
stood  out  like  a  huge  dark  spectre.  "  Keep  off !  keep  off ! "  he  shouted, 
with  a  voice  like  a  Stentor,  while  the  hearty  laugh  of  the  rest  of  the  party 
immediately  followed  his  last  cry.  We  knew  at  once  what  he  had  seen,  and. 
he  comprehended  the  situation,  too,  as  soon  as  he  had  a  chance  to  think. 
"What  are  you  hailing  your  shadow  for,  Tom  ? "  some  one  asked.  "  Did  you 
think  it  was  going  to  run  you  down  ? "  "  My  God ! "  he  exclaimed  in  reply, 
"I  thought  it  was  a  Frenchman,  and  it  seemed  to  me  that  the  jibboom  was 
going  to  be  run  down  my  throat." 


100 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


LIST  OF  VESSELS  BELONGING  TO  THE  PORT  OF  GLOUCESTER 

IN  1850. 


COMPILED  BY  WILLIAM  BABSON. 


BARQUES. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Argo 

53 

Dolphin 

63 

Name. 

Tons. 

Atalanta 

74 

D.  P.  King 

73 

Brenda 

350 

Atlantic 

56 

Eldorado 

60 

Galileo 

260 

Augusta 

42 

Eli 

55 

Izette 

275 

Augusta  Parker 

60 

Eiiza  A.  Procter 

80 

Massasoit 

206 

Avon 

55 

Eliza  A.  Steele  " 

77 

Avon 

64 

Ellen 

60 

BRIGS. 

Baltic 

65 

Emeline 

61 

Baltimore 

32 

Enterprise 

54 

Amazon 

202 

Banvard 

62 

Everett 

30 

Agenora 

202 

Belle 

71 

Excelsior 

60 

Boston 

160 

Bellona 

58 

Exchange 

61 

Carter  Braxton 

150 

B.  H.  Corliss 

78 

Exchange 

40 

Eagle 

150 

Bonaventure 

35 

Fair  Play 

31 

Grampus 

210 

Bonny  Boat 

15 

Flag  of  Truce 

43 

Julia  Helen 

160 

Brilliant 

52 

Flift 

80 

Niger 

209 

Cape  Ann 

64 

Florida 

67 

Pleiades 

285 

Capitol 

58 

Forest 

86 

Sarah  Ann 

193 

Centurion 

56 

Franklin 

80 

Vietorin 

140 

Cera 

30 

Garland 

130 

Wellingsley 

212 

Champion 

64 

Gazelle 

72 

Charlotte  Ann 

68 

Gazelle 

62 

SLOOPS. 

Cherokee 

70 

Gem 

30 

Clarion 

70 

Gen.  Washington 

65 

Venus 

73 

Clementine  D.  Stacy 

75 

George  Edward 

42 

Heroine 

55 

Clinton 

56 

Georgianna 

65 

Columbia 

65 

Grace  Darling 

72 

SCHOONERS. 

Congress 

73 

H.  A.  Holbrook 

66 

Constitution 

68 

Halcyon 

37 

Abigail 

56 

Convoy 

65 

Hannibal 

60 

Abigail  Brown 

75 

Convoy 

57 

Helen  Maria 

63 

Alabama 

69 

Cottage 

45 

Henrv 

80 

Alexander 

m 

Cygnet 

64 

Herald 

45 

America 

27 

Daniel  D.  Smith 

49 

Hibernia 

50 

Ann  Maria 

66 

Diana 

70 

Hosea  Ballou 

64 

Areola 

62 

Diligent 

48 

Huntress 

59 

FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


IOI 


LIST  OF  VESSELS- 

-Contini 

ed. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Name. 

Tons. 

Imogen 

66 

Nautilus 

59 

Sarah  El  well 

57 

Iowa 

76 

Niagara 

66 

Science 

62 

James  Isaac 

28 

Nile 

55 

Signal 

37 

Jenny  Lind 

75 

Ocean  Queen 

64 

Sisters 

44 

John 

100 

Oconee 

73 

Splendid 

48 

Josephine 

56 

Ohio 

67 

Star  of  Hope 

88 

J.  P.  Ober 

79 

Oregon 

68 

St.  Lawrence 

63 

July 
Lanoni 

54 

Orion 

66 

Success 

45 

66 

Orozimbo 

62 

Swampscott 

38 

Laurel 

56 

Pennsylvania 

68 

Swan 

45 

Leader 

58 

Pilot 

67 

Talisman 

68 

Leona 

71 

Pocahontas 

71 

Theory 

37 

Lion 

24 

Potomac 

70 

Thorn 

65 

Lucinda 

55 

Premium 

59 

Three  Sisters 

45 

Lucy  Ann 

67 

President 

49 

Tiber 

65 

Lucy  A.  Pulcifer 

80 

Princeton 

60 

Traverse 

62 

Lucy  Wharf 

58 

Protector 

62 

Tremont 

64 

Marion 

33 

Ranger 

43 

Trenton 

71 

Mary  Eliza 

70 

Reaper 

50 

Union 

68 

Mary  Eliza 

53 

Redwing 

24 

Van 

30 

Mary  S.  Wonson 

84 

Reliance 

75 

Victory 

66 

Metamora 

57 

Richmond 

67 

Virgin 

62 

Miriam 

53 

Rio  del  Norte 

60 

Watchman 

60 

Molly 

73 

Ripple 

35 

Wave 

80 

Montrose 

62 

Robert  Bruce 

71 

Wave 

77 

Montezuma 

76 

Rockaway 

•61 

Welcome  Return 

29 

Mount  Vernon 

68 

Romeo 

60 

Wm.  P.  Dolliver 

80 

Napoleon 

52 

Romp 

76 

Wm.  Penn 

66 

Native 

70 

Sarah 

67 

Yorktown 

60 

4  barques,  1101  tons,  average  275  tons;  12  brigs,  2273  tons,  average  189J4 ;  2  sloops,  128 
tons;  166  schooners,  10,029  tons,  average  60 >£  tons.  Total  vessels,  184;  tonnage,  13,531 ; 
average  tonnage,  73 %. 

Of  these  184  vessels  owned  in  Gloucester  32  years  ago,  although  several 
are  doubtless  still  in  existence,  only  one,  the  Lucy  Ann,  is  still  owned  here. 
The  Lucy  Ann  is  46.54  tons,  new  measurement,  was  built  in  Essex  in  1849, 
and  is  owned  by  Mr.  Samuel  Haskell. 

Very  many  of  the  readers  of  this  volume  will  peruse  the  above  list  with 
pleasure,  as  the  recalling  of  the  names  of  these  vessels  will  awaken  many 
pleasing  reminiscences  when  some  of  them  were  the  "crack"  vessels  of  their 
day,  and  the  trips  they  made  and  the  associations  connected  therewith,  will 
recall  the  past  with  all  its  wealth  of  associations  connected  with  the  fisheries 
of  that  period. 


IQT 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


THE   PHANTOM   BOAT. 
A  Legend  of  Cape  Ann. 

BY   E.  NORMAN   GUNNISON. 


The  tide  comes  in  and  the  tide  goes  out, 
And  the  rollers  break  on  the  harbor  bar, 

And  up  from  the  distance  comes  a  sail, 
Gleaming  white  'neath  the  morning  star. 

Fishing  tackle  and  boats  on  deck, 
Running  rigging  belayed  and  trim ; 

Raking  spars — 'tis  no  battered  wreck 
Sailing  out  in  the  distance  dim. 

It  draws  not  near,  though  the  wind  is  fair ; 

The  sheets  are  free,  but  it  comes  not  nigh, 
But  hangs,  a  point  on  the  morning  air, 

A  pictured  sail  'twixt  the  earth  and  sky. 

Fisherman,  tell  me  why.yonder  boat 
Sails,  and  no  nearer  comes  to  shore; 

Nor  in  the  distance  grows  remote— 
Not  a  ripple  her  bow  breaks  o'er. 

"  Stranger,  I  reckon  you  aren't  here  long , 
Many  a  year  has  her  pennant  flew— 

Old  is  the  story — a  worn  out  song — 
But  her  deck  is  trod  by  no  mortal  crew. 

Look  a  moment  and  see  the  flame 
Gleaming  white  over  mast  and  spar — 

Here  1  take  my  glass,  you  can  read  the  name 
Under  her  starn— 'tis  the  •  Alice  Marr.' 

Alice  Marr  was  a  fair  young  girl, 

Long  ago,  in  Glos'ter  town ; 
Rippling  ringlets  and  sunny  curl, 

Rare  red  lips  and  a  cheek  of  brown. 

That  was  Alice,  the  fisher's  pride  ; 
Lovers  sought  her,  from  near  and  far; 

She  was  John  Ackman's  promised  bride- 
He  named  his  vessel  the  '  Alice  Marr.' 

Thar's  nothing  sartin,  stranger,  in  life ; 

We're  gone  to-morrow,  though  here  to-day. 
Another  v'yage  she  would  be  his  wife— 

At  least,  so  I've  heard  the  gossips  say. 

Pork,  potatoes  and  hard-tack  stowed, 
"Water  in  barrels  and  water  in  tanks, 


Nicely  fixed  for  a  three  months'  cruise, 
He  sailed  away  for  the  fishing  banks. 

'  For  men  must  work  and  women  must  weep,* 
Men  must  work  for  their  daily  bread ; 

One  month  out — all  well  on  board, 
Spoke  by  the  •  Dart'  of  Marblehead. 

Months  rolled  on,  and  never  a  word; 

Six  months,  twelve  months — on  the  day 
That  finished  the  year  was  a  rumor  heard 

Of  the  '  Alice  Marr'  in  the  outer  bay. 

Boats  put  out,  but  they  drew  not  near ; 

Slowly,  silently  on  she  steered ; 
'  Skipper  Ackman  I  ho !  what  cheer?' 

She  had  vanished  and  disappeared. 

Ever  as  rolls  the  year  around, 

Bringing  again  her  sailing  day, 
Rises  her  hull  from  the  depths  profound, 

And  slowly  cruises  the  outer  bay. 

Not  a  word  of  her  master's  fate, 
Only  a  glimmer  of  sail  and  spar ; 

Not  a  word  of  her  crew  or  mate — 
This  is  the  ghost  of  the  'Alice  Marr.* 

Still  she  watched  down  the  peaceful  bay, 
Still  her  eye  scanned  each  gathering  cloud, 

Years  receded,  and  worn  and  gray, 
Her  wedding  dress  was  her  f  un'r'l  shroud." 

This  is  no  myth  of  the  poet's  pen, 
This  is  no  mirage  upon  the  blast, 

The  boat  is  there,  just  the  same  as  when 
Mine  own  eyes  saw  in  the  Summer  past. 

Only  the  eye  of  faith  can  see,— 
Eyes  are  blinded— and  this  in  brief— 

What  is  holden  from  you  or  me, 
Is  seen  by  others  who  have  belief. 

Still  in  the  morning,  cold  and  gray, 

Gazing  afar  the  sea  to  scan, 
Looking  out  from  the  sheltered  bay, 

See  the  phantom  which  haunts  Cape  Ann 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


103 


MODEL    OF  TRAWLER   OF    1 88 2. 

A  Trawling  Trip. 

BY   WALTER    HILL. 

Gear  Used — Porpoises — Frolic  at  Canso — On  the  Fishing  Grounds — Setting 
and  Hauling  the  Trawls,  and  What  We  Find  in  Them — Changing  Berth 
— An   Uncommon  Incident — Putting  In  for  Bait. 

Let  us  imagine  ourselves  on  board  a  trawler,  well  outside,  and  shaping  a 
course  E  ^  S  for  Cape  Sable,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifteen  miles. 

The  lines  which  compose  a  trawl  are  made  of  cotton,  and  are  in  lengths 
of  fifty  fathoms,  about  the  size  of  a  lead  pencil,  and  tarred  to  render  them 
more  durable.  They  are  attached  at  equal  distances  to  a  buoy  line,  and  are 
coiled  in  tubs  or  flour  barrels  cut  down,  and  extend  to  about  three  hundred 
fathoms  for  each  tub.  Each  dory  will  "set"  about  four  to  six  tubs,  so  that 
it  forms  a  pretty  long  string  when  extended  in  one  direction.  For  halibut 
catching  the  hooks  are  attached  at  a  distance  of  two  and  a  half  fathoms 
apart  throughout  the  whole  length  of  the  trawl,  but  for  codfishing  the  hooks 
are  placed  a  fathom  apart.  The  fishing  is  done  in  dories,  and  two  men  go 
in  each  dory.  Our  vessel's  crew  consists  of  fourteen  all  told — twelve  men, 
cook,  and  "skipper"  or  captain.  Much  gear  is  necessary  besides  the  trawl 
itself,  viz.,  buoys,  buoy-lines,  anchors,  flags,  etc.  But  you  will  get  a  better 
idea  of  all  this  when  we  come  to  "  make  a  set,"  by  accompanying  one  of  the 
dories  yourself. 


io4  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Meanwhile,  take  a  look  at  the  hold.  It  is  divided  off  into  pens  or  com- 
partments, in  which  is  stowed  the  salt  necessary  to  cure  the  fish.  In  a  fresh 
halibut  catcher  these  pens  would  be  stowed  with  ice  instead  of  salt. 

Now  just  step  on  deck  again.  Here  is  something  that  will  interest  you. 
Do  you  see  that  splashing  far  away  on  the  horizon  ?  That  is  a  school  of 
porpoises,  and  they  are  coming  this  way.  I'll  take  the  harpoon  and  go  out 
on  the  bowsprit,  and  should  they  cross  our  bows,  try  my  luck.  I'm  not  very 
expert  with  this  weapon,  but  it  may  serve  to  kill  time  agreeably,  if  not  a 
porpoise.  Here  they  come,  launching  themselves  along  with  dazzling  ra- 
pidity. One  might  call  them  the  very  incarnation  of  vitality  and  action. 
I  sometimes  think,  when  I  see  them  evidently  enjoying  life  so  intensely — 
launching  themselves  through  the  air  by  those  magnificent  twenty  and  thirty 
feet  bounds — chasing  and  racing  one  another  with  lightning  action — that  it 
is  their  way  of  expressing  their  gratitude  for  being  permitted  to  inhabit  such 
a  beautiful  world  of  waters,  and  for  being  so  admirably  adapted  to  enjoy  it. 
Whang!  I  missed  that  one!  Quick!  haul  in  the  slack  line  and  give  me 
out  the  harpoon  again.  We  are  in  the  midst  of  the  school  now.  Whiz! 
again.  I've  struck  one  this  time.  Pay  out  the  slack  line  and  heave  the 
helm  down!  Don't  check  him  till  the  vessel's  way  is  stopped,  or  he  will 
snap  the  line.  Now  you  may  try  him.  There  he  comes  alongside,  disput- 
ing every  inch  and  making  some  wicked  plunges.  We  will  get  a  running 
bowline  over  his  tail  and  haul  him  aboard.  There  he  comes  in.  How  he 
lashes  the  deck,  every  nerve  quivering  with  rage  and  excitement. 

The  breeze  has  freshened.  We  have  left  Cape  Sable  behind  and  are 
booming  along  the  Nova  Scotia  shore  at  a  good  rate.  We  shall  soon  be  in 
Canso,  where  we  shall  probably  take  what  bait  we  require.  The  bait  this 
time  will  consist  of  herring.  These  are  taken  by  the  resident  fishermen,  in 
nets,  and  brought  alongside  the  vessel  and  sold  at  so  much  per  hundred  or 
barrel.  It  is  more  exciting  work  when  we  catch  our  own  bait,  especially  if 
that  bait  happens  to  be  squid. 

I  shall  not  say  much  of  the  inevitable  "frolic"  we  get  upon  the  night 
before  leaving  for  the  Banks.  What  pretty  girls  we — get  introduced  to. 
And  here,  lest  the  better-halves  of  the  married  portion  of  my  compagnons 
de  voyage  should  become  jealous,  let  me  say  that  /  saw  no  improper  flirta- 
tions going  on  on  their  part.  Not  one  of  the  benedicts  under  my  eye  danced 
more  than  twice  with  the  same  young  lady.  An  old  familiar,  just  dropped 
in,  suggests  I  might  possibly  myself  have  been  too  much  engrossed  to  ob- 
serve all  that  was  passing  around  me.  It  is  a  base  insinuation,  and  were 
he  not  a  privileged  character  I  should  freezingly  point  him  to  the  door. 

Leaving  all  these  open  questions  behind,  let  us  consider  ourselves  on  the 
fishing  grounds.  Having  decided  on  making  a  set,  we  round  to  and  anchor 
in  about  forty  fathoms  of  water.     The  hooks  being  baited  up  and  all  ready, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  105 

the  dories  are  rigged  out  and  the  tubs  of  trawl,  buoys,  buoy-!ines,  anchors, 
etc.,  are  put  into  them.  As  each  dory  gets  ready  she  is  rowed  out  in  her 
regular  place,  which  has  been  drawn  for  by  lot,  and  the  work  of  setting  the 
trawls  commences.  Each  takes  a  different  direction  from  the  vessel.  Thus 
the  vessel  forms  the  centre  and  the  trawls  form  radii  of  a  circle,  being  set 
with  a  buoy  and  anchor  at  each  end.  A  good  flag  is  placed  on  the  buoy  at 
the  outer  end,  which  extends  about  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  vessel,  and 
the  dories  then  row  aboard,  and  the  trawls  are  left  out  till  the  following 
morning. 

At  daylight  all  hands  are  called  out  to  breakfast,  immediately  after  which 
the  dories  are  hoisted  out,  and  row  to  the  ends  of  their  trawls,  being  guided 
by  the  flags  when  it  is  clear ;  but  when  it  is  thick  and  foggy,  which  most 
frequently  happens,  finding  the  outer  buoy  is  a  matter  of  much  difficulty, 
and  the  dories  frequently  lose  themselves.  However,  being  clear,  it  is  all 
plane  sailing  to-day.  There  is  some  rivalry  between  the  dories,  as  to  which 
one  shall  bring  most  the  fish  or  get  done  first ;  but  as  the  reader  is  to  ac- 
company us,  we  will  proceed  leisurely  so  as  to  examine  all  the  curios  that 
come  up. 

We've  taken  hold  of  the  buoy,  then,  and  having  shipped  the  roller  in  the 
bows,  commence  hauling  away.  At  last  the  anchor  heaves  in  sight,  after 
what  you  think  a  long  haul,  and  here  on  the  first  hook  is  a  good  codfish, 
but  I  don't  see  much  more  coming  along.  There,  again,  is  a  haddock. 
Take  notice  of  those  teeth-marks  about  him.  A  halibut  has  been  endeavor- 
ing to  swallow  him.  See  what  a  scared  look  he  has !  When  hauling  trawls 
I  sometimes  liken  the  expression  of  different  fish  to  their  counterparts  on 
terra-firma.  Thus,  the  haddock  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  the  sheep  or 
lamb.  Their  large  innocent  eyes  seem  to  look  up  appealingly  as  they  come 
up  alongside  the  dory.  They  accept  their  fate,  too,  with  sheepish  resigna- 
tion, and  scarcely  ever  stir  after  being  slatted  off  the  hook  into  the  dory. 
They  are  the  prey  of  almost  every  other  fish  that  swims,  and  altogether, 
must  have  a  very  hot  time  of  it,  indeed,  down  there. 

What  have  we  coming  here  ?  A  rock  which  is  perfectly  honey-combed— 
"Perforated  sore  and  drilled  with  holes." 
This  work  is  accomplished  by  a  species  of  boring  bivalve,  whose  generic 
name  I  am  unable  to  give,  but  if  you  could  descend  and  take  a  submarine 
stroll,  you  would  scarcely  find  a  rock  but  was  in  the  same  state  wherever 
these  curious  fellows  are  found.  Curled  into  some  of  these  holes,  and  clus- 
tered around  the  rock,  in  fantastic  shapes,  you  observe  numerous  sandy 
tubes.  These  are  inhabited  by  curious  worms,  known  to  the  naturalist  as 
annelids.  They  are  widely  distributed  all  over  the  fishing  banks,  wherever 
the  bottom  can  be  made  available  for  building  their  cells.     There  are  vari- 


106  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

ous  species.  One  kind  does  not  build  a  cell  at  all,  and  is  known  as  the 
naked  annelid. 

But  stop !  I  feel  a  halibut  tugging  away  below.  There  he  heaves  in  sight. 
Keep  steady  in  the  dory  while  I  get  my  gaff  in  his  head,  and  do  not  be 
alarmed  when  I  heel  the  crank  little  craft  over  to  take  the  big  fellow  in. 
After  I  get  his  head  on  the  gunwale  he  slides  into  the  bottom  of  the  boat 
as  easily  as  if  he  were  helping  himself  in. 

I  can  see  two  or  three  codfish  coming  along  next.  One  of  them  is  a  large 
one.  Look  how  lazily  that  fifty-pounder  rolls  up  alongside.  He  seems  to 
accept  the  situation  as  if  he  had  been  expecting  it.  If  he  could  speak  he 
might  give  mouth  (what  a. mouth !)  to  the  following:  "  Here  I  come.  Whip 
out  your  gaff  and  help  me  aboard  without  any  fuss.  I've  been  looking  for 
this  a  long  time  past.  I  put  all  my  affairs  in  order  when  I  reached  forty 
pounds  weight,  and  have  been  ready  to  fulfil  my  destiny  at  any  time  since." 
How  differently  does  that  "snapper,"  or  young  codfish,  appear  to  act.  He 
darts  about,  as  far  as  the  hook  will  allow,  and  seems  to  have  vitality  enough 
for  a  dozen  years  to  come.  After  he  is  unhooked  he  flutters  about  and 
won't  be  resigned  in  any  place,  but  seems  to  protest  to  the  last  against  the 
fate  which  cuts  him  off  in  the  pride  of  his  youth.  And  who  can  believe  but 
his  view  is  the  soundest,  if  it  were  practicable  to  let  him  alone? 

But  what  have  we  here?  As  I  live,  it's  a  turbot.  You  will  make  a  deli- 
cious meal  from  this  fellow,  I'll  warrant.  We  do  not  save  them  for  market, 
there  being  apparently  little  demand  for  them  in  the  States.  If  I  were  a 
gourmand,  and  had  the  means  wherewith  to  gratify  my  appetite,  I  would 
offer  his  weight  in  silver  for  one  of  these  paragons  of  all  that  is  delicate  and 
rich  among  fish  flavors. 

Passing  over  numerous  codfish,  and  an  occasional  halibut,  we  haul  along 
till  we  come  to  a  comparative  stranger  on  the  Grand  Bank — would  that  he 
had  been  a  stranger  on  Georges  and  some  other  Banks  I've  fished  on — a 
dogfish.  If  you  would  cultivate  angelic  patience,  or  haply  sound  the  depth 
of  wickedness  to  which  it  would  be  possible  to  goad  you,  go  out  on  Western 
Georges  in  Dog(fish)  days  and  haul  a  trawl  of  one  thousand  hooks  with  a 
dogfish  on  every  hook.  Whichever  course  you  adopt,  if  you  succeed  in 
fighting  it  out  on  that  line  to  the  end,  will  have  brought  you  to  the  extreme 
limits  of  goodness,  or  to  the  border  of  Hades.  Their  skin  is  so  rough  that 
before  you  have  unhooked  fifty  the  probability  is  that  your  thumb  and  finger 
will  be  getting  raw,  to  say  nothing  of  the  dexterity  with  which  the  green- 
eyed  wretch  comes  back  after  having  his  jaw  hauled  half  out  with  the  hook, 
and  swims  around  as  if  to  intimate  that  you  have  been  exhausting  your  pa- 
tience or  your  passion  on  him  without  disturbing  his  equilibrium  in  the 
least. 

The  trawl  is  coming  up  from  a  ledge  now,  as  you  may  see  by  the  pretty 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK  107 

diminutive  sprays  of  coral  attached  to  some  of  the  hooks.  You  will  observe 
four  or  five  varieties,  but  I  have  never  yet  been  fortunate  enough  to  haul  up 
any  of  the  kind  valuable  in  commerce. 

Here's  a  queer  looking  object  coming — a  fish  skeleton.  It  is  a  codfish 
with  nothing  but  the  skin  and  bones  left.  He  has  been  eaten  since  he  got 
on  that  hook;  as  clean  as  a  whistle,  not  a  grain  of  flesh  left  if  you'd  give  a 
guinea  for  it.  Little  insects  that  we  call  sand-fleas  have  accomplished  this. 
There  must  be  myriads  of  "them,  because  in  a  couple  of  hours  they  will 
reduce  a  large  codfish  to  the  state  in  which  we  find  this  one,  or,  speaking 
mathematically,  to  his  simplest  terms.  The  fish,  poor  fellow,  must  feel  very 
much  like  Gulliver  when  attacked  by  the  Lilliputian  army.  They're  too 
many  for  him. 

Thus  we  go  on  to  the  end  of  the  trawl,  where  we  "break  out"  the  anchor 
and  haul  it  up,  together  with  the  buoy-line  and  buoy,  rowing  to  the  vessel 
and  pitching  our  fish  on  deck.  These  we  "dress  down,"  and  as  the  aggre- 
gate catch  is  not  large,  we  heave  up  the  anchor  and  shift  a  few  miles  away 
where  we  "bring  to"  again,  bait  up  the  trawls,  and  then  are  done  for  the 
night,  "till  daylight  doth  appear."  This  time  we  get  better  fishing,  and  all 
the  dories  get  a  load. 

Sometimes  an  uncommon  incident  takes  place.  Such  an  one  happened  to 
the  writer  a  short  time  since.  We  were  in  our  dory,  hauling  away  in  the 
most  unsuspecting  manner,  when  a  whale,  without  the  slightest  previous 
notice,  came  right  up  under  the  dory,  gave  a  snort  which  startled  us  as 
though  it  had  been  an  earthquake,  and  in  a  moment  we  were  sliding  off  the 
back  of  the  monster,  half  capsized.  Luckily  we  both  managed  to  grab  the 
upper  gunwale,  and  saved  her  from  going  wholly  over,  coming  off  with  no 
worse  damage  than  being  swamped  with  water  and  losing  half  our  fish. 

On  foggy  days  a  horn  is  blown  at  frequent  intervals  during  the  time  the 
dories  are  hauling  trawls,  to  enable  them  to  judge  of  the  whereabouts  of  the 
vessel.  But  withal,  dories  frequently  lose  themselves  and  row  about  for 
many  hours  without  finding  their  vessels,  and  in  such  cases  they  are  often 
picked  up  by  passing  vessels,  after  enduring  great  privations.  Many  a 
thrilling  story  might  be  told  of  narrow  escapes  from  perils  such  as  these,  by 
our  fishermen  who  follow  up  Bank  fishing  continuously. 

When  the  bait  gets  exhausted,  or  becomes  too  stale  for  the  fish  to  relish 
it,  we  proceed  to  Newfoundland  to  procure  another  supply.  On  such  occa- 
sions we  sometimes  have  many  leisure  days,  and  to  beguile  time  we  arrange 
a  dance  on  shore,  which  is  kept  up  from  dark  till  daylight. 


io8 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


MASSACHUSETTS  MACKEREL  CATCH  FOR  74  YEARS. 


Massachu- 

Mass. 

Gloucester 

Eockport 

setts. 

Gloucester. 

YEAR. 

YEAR. 

Inspection. 

Inspection. 

Inspection. 

BBLS. 

BBLS. 

BBLS. 

BBLS. 

BBLS. 

1808 

7,738 

238 

1845 

202,302 

48,711 

1809 

8,865 

46 

1846 

188,261 

41,513 

1810 

13,058 

none 

1847 

254,917 

40,006 

1811 

17,890 

6 

1848 

317,101 

53,500 

1812 

6,750 

none 

1849 

231,856 

45,579 

1813 

3,832 

91 

1850 

242,572 

49,993 

3,916 

1814 

1,349 

none 

1851 

329,441 

81,627 

9,240 

1815 

16,394 

72 

1852 

217,540 

48,012 

5,345 

1816 

30.021 

123 

1853 

130,423 

36,196 

4,523 

1817 

37,482 

115 

1854 

134,848 

43,201 

3,278 

1818 

47,210 

154 

1855 

130,850 

73,102 

5,740 

1819 

105,433 

109 

1856 

214,017 

66,529 

6,513 

1820 

120,602 

217 

1857 

192,378 

67,311 

5,677 

1821 

111,009 

2,176 

1858 

131,601 

56,489 

4,152 

1822 

150,294 

2,804 

1859 

99,845 

59,664 

3,004 

1823 

145,006 

3,570 

1860 

244,703 

97,992 

5,561 

1824 

180,636 

6,303 

1861 

194,281 

90,516 

4,989 

1825 

254,381 

9,359 

1862 

260,863 

116,238 

6,100 

1826 

158,740 

11,668 

1863 

306,941 

153,892 

5,671 

1827 

190,310 

16,288 

1864 

273,355 

154,938 

4,970 

1828 

237,324 

34,203 

1865 

252,775 

141,576 

5,746 

1829 

225,877 

37,683 

1866 

231,390 

114,053 

7,562 

1830 

308,485 

51,613 

1867 

210,712 

113,917 

6,479 

1831 

383,658 

69,759 

1868 

179,492 

75,517 

5,260 

1832 

222,452 

40,674 

1869 

234,199 

93,126 

5,962 

1833 

222,926 

45,529 

1870 

318,520 

129,595 

9,800 

1834 

252,884 

61,319 

1871 

259,414 

107,008 

6,940 

1835 

197,411 

48,539 

1872 

181,956 

67,395 

3,679 

1836 

177,056 

43,937 

1873 

185,736 

83,459 

3,084 

1837 

144,891 

33,274 

1874 

258,359 

118,314 

4,124 

1838 

110,740 

24,262 

1875 

130,017 

51,040 

1,742 

1839 

74,243 

10,241 

1876 

225,946 

95,422 

5,610 

1840 

50,490 

8,870 

1877 

105,097 

49,044 

1,478 

1841 

55,137 

8,559 

1878 

144,226 

55,741 

975 

1842  • 

75,543 

15,335 

1879 

155,298 

48,643 

172 

1843 

64,451 

16,328 

1880 

252,538 

116,793 

959 

1844 

86,181 

17,455 

1881 

256,173 

113,203 

291 

Owing  to  the  practice  of  selling  mackerel  "out  of  pickle,"  to  be  packed  and  branded  else- 
where, the  Gloucester  "inspection"  for  the  past  few  years  shows  only  a  portion  of  the 
catch  of  our  fleet.  The  catch  of  the  Gloucester  fleet  in  1881  was  163,851  bbls.,  the  amount 
inspected  only  113,203  bbls.    1880  catch,  129,680  bbls. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  109 


The  Fortune  Bay  Eiot. 

The  treaty  of  Washington  opened  the  way  to  a  satisfactory  settlement  of 
the  Alabama  Claims,  so  far  as  this  country  was  concerned,  Great  Britain 
being  called  upon  to  pay  over  a  handsome  sum  for  the  depredations  of  her 
cruisers  upon  American  commerce  during  the  War  of  the  Rebellion.  But 
the  Treaty  contained  provisions  concerning  the  Fisheries  which  have  not 
resulted  as  satisfactorily,  either  to  our  own  government  or  to  the  dependen- 
cies of  Great  Britain.  Under  these  provisions  the  American  market  was 
thrown  open  to  the  products  of  provincial  fishermen,  free  of  duty,  thus 
bringing  their  catch  into  active  competition  with  ours,  while  American  fish- 
ermen were  permitted  to  fish  in  provincial  waters,  on  equal  terms  with  Brit- 
ish subjects,  as  they  claim  to  their  great  detriment  and  loss.  The  Fishery 
provisons  of  the  Treaty  also  contained  a  clause  providing  for  a  Commission, 
to  sit  at  Halifax,  and  determine  how  much,  if  anything,  the  United  States 
should  pay  for  the  valuable  privileges  vouchsafed  her  fishermen,  over  and 
above  the  value  of  the  freedom  of  her  markets  to  provincial-caught  fish. 
The  Commission  met  and  heard  evidence  on  both  sides,  and  decided  that 
the  United  States  should  pay  the  sum  of  $5,500,000,  an  amount,  as  the 
Americans  claim  and  believe,  larger  than  the  total  value  of  all  the  fish  taken 
or  to  be  taken  by  American  fishermen  within  provincial  waters  during  the 
twelve  years  that  the  Treaty  is  likely  to  remain  in  force.  The  money  was, 
however,  paid  without  controversy. 

The  fishermen  of  Newfoundland  were  especially  restive  under  what  they 
regarded  as  the  ceding  away  of  their  rights  by  the  imperial  government. 
They  looked  upon  the  shore  herring  fishery  of  their  island  as  peculiarly 
their  own  property.  It  was  their  principal  source  of  revenue,  on  which 
themselves  and  their  families  were  dependent  for  bread,  and  if  this  fishery 
was  taken  away  from  them,  or  its  value  destroyed,  starvation  would  stare 
them  in  the  face.  Accordingly,  when  a  large  American  fleet  appeared  upon 
their  coast,  in  the  Winter  of  1877-8,  with  improved  apparatus  for  the  catch- 
ing of  herring,  instead  of  purchasing  a  supply  of  the  native  fishermen,  as 
had  previously  been  the  practice,  they  were  greatly  incensed,  and  resolved 
to  defend  what  they  felt  to  be  their  rights. 

The  Gloucester  fleet  arrived  in  Fortune  Bay  about  the  middle  of  Decem- 
ber, and  waited  until  the  first  week  in  January  for  the  herring  to  strike  in. 
They  were  provided  with  seines,  and  prepared  to  catch  or  buy  fish,  as  cir- 
cumstances might  warrant.  The  fleet  comprised  twenty-two  first-class  ves- 
sels, as  follows : 


no 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Schooner. 

Bonanza, 
Bunker  Hill, 
Charles  C.  Warren, 
Crest  of  the  Wave, 
Edward  E.  Webster, 
F.  A.  Smith, 
Fred.  P.  Frye, 
Herbert  M.  Rogers, 
Here  ward, 
Isaac  Rich, 
John  W.  Bray, 
Lizzie  &  Namari, 
Mary  M., 
Maud  &  Effie, 
Maud  B.  Wetherell, 
Moro  Castle, 
Moses  Adams, 
Moses  Knowlton, 
New  England, 
Ontario, 
Wildfire, 
William  E.  McDonald, 


Tons. 

137.06 
100.77 
108.87 

71.38 
98.80 
77.10 
85.37 
77.65 
90.11 
92.18 

83.41 

94.09 

101.62 

85-23 

107.90 

88.85 

90.87 

in. 00 

86.29 

91.29 

108.90 


Owner  or  Charterer* 

Humphrey  C.  Allen. 
Walen  &  Allen. 
Peter  Smith. 
William  B.  Coombs. 
Dennis  &  Ayer. 
Plumer  and  Friend. 
Brown,  Seavey  &  Co. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 
Walen  &  Allen. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Brown,  Seavey  &  Co. 
Gardner  and  Poole. 
George  Dennis  &  Co. 
Hardy  &  Allen. 
Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 
John  Low. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 


98.37 

The  herring  struck  into  Fortune  Bay  on  Sunday,  Jan.  6,  1878,  in  such 
quantities  that  a  few  hours'  seining  would  have  sufficed  to  load  the  entire 
fleet.  The  sc\is.<  New  England,  Capt.  Peter  McAuley,  and  Ontario,  Capt. 
John  Dago,  joined  and  set  their  seines,  making  a  double  seine  about  2,400 
feet  long  and  150  feet  deep,  which  soon  filled  with  herring,  the  catch  being 
estimated  at  fully  2,000  barrels.  This,  with  the  operations  of  the  other 
Gloucester  schooners,  maddened  the  Newfoundland  fishermen,  who  had 
gathered  in  the  vicinity  to  the  number  of  two  hundred  or  more,  and  they 
commenced  to  put  off  in  boats,  making  warlike  demonstrations  and  using 
threatening  language,  and  commanding  the  American  fishermen  to  desist 
from  fishing.  The  seines  of  the  Ontario  and  New  England  were  seized  by 
the  mob,  the  fish  let  out,  and  the  seines  torn  in  pieces  and  carried  away. 

The  rioters  next  turned  their  attention  to  the  sch.  Moses  Adams,  Capt. 
Solomon  Jacobs,  whose  seine  had  been  set  and  filled,  and  whose  crew  were 
busily  engaged  in  scooping  the  herring  into  boats  and  transferring  them  to 
their  vessel.  Three  separate  attempts  were  made  to  seize  this  seine,  but 
Capt.  Jacobs  and  his  crew  were  provided  with  loaded  revolvers,  and  by 
threatening  to  shoot  the  first  man  who  dared  to  interfere  with  them,  suc- 
ceeded in  keeping  the  mob  at  bay  until  a  partial  cargo  had  been  secured, 
when  the  Newfoundlanders  tripped  the  seine  and  allowed  the  remainder  of 
the  herring  to  escape.  Had  they  been  allowed  to  continue  fishing,  they 
could  have  loaded  their  vessel  and  helped  in  supplying  others. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  in 

In  the  evening  the  rioters  had  a  jubilee,  blowing  horns,  firing  gtins  and 
shouting,  as  if  celebrating  a  victory.  This  was  taken  as  an  indication  that 
the  same  course  would  be  pursued  if  further  attempts  were  made  to  fish,  and 
the  other  vessels  were  deterred  from  making  the  attempt.  Next  day  the 
herring  struck  off  shore,  and  finding  it  difficult  to  purchase  cargoes,  the  fleet 
soon  set  sail  for  home,  mostly  in  ballast,  although  a  portion  of  the  fleet  se- 
cured partial  cargoes,  mostly  by  purchase. 

The  following  year  (1879),  in  July,  a  similar  occurrence  on  a  smaller  scale 
took  place  in  Aspey  Bay,  Cape  Breton.  The  schs.  Bay  State,  Capt.  Good- 
win, and  Cadet,  Capt.  Anderson,  arrived  at  Aspey  Bay  June  20,  to  await  the 
schooling  of  the  squid,  when  they  proposed  to  engage  in  seining  operations. 
They  were  told  by  the  inhabitants  that  they  would  not  be  allowed  to  set 
their  seines,  but  continued  to  await  the  appearance  of  the  fish,  hoping  that 
they  would  not  be  interfered  with.  The  squid  struck  in  July  8th,  but  the 
threats  of  the  local  fishermen  were  so  serious  and  determined  that  the 
Americans  were  obliged  to  refrain  from  fishing  and  come  home  without  fares. 

Aug.  16,  1879,  scn-  Howard  Holbrook,  Capt.  Daniel  McFayden,  of  this 
port,  while  absent  on  a  Bank  trip,  put  into  Trinity  Bay,  N.  F.,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  seining  bait.  Capt.  McFayden  Was  opposed  by  some  thirty  New- 
foundlanders, who  threatened  to  destroy  his  seine  and  dories  if  he  attempted 
to  fish,  the  spokesman  of  the  party,  one  Cooper,  declaring  that  no  one 
should  set  a  seine  for  squid  within  three  miles  of  the  shore  and  live  to  haul  it. 

On  the  4th  of  August,  1880,  as  the  sch.  Moro  Castle,  Capt.  Loren  B.  Nass, 
of  this  port,  was  lying  in  Conception  Bay  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing 
squid  to  complete  a  Bank  voyage,  some  of  the  crew  threw  over  jigs  and  com- 
menced to  catch  a  few  squid  over  the  side  of  the  vessel  during  the  absence 
of  the  skipper.  They  were  seen  from  the  shore,  and  an  angry  crowd  of  na- 
tive fishermen  put  off,  seized  the  schooner,  raised  her  anchor,  hoisted  the 
mainsail  and  jib,  and  came  near  getting  her  ashore  upon  the  rocks.  Seeing 
the  danger  she  was  in,  the  mob  took  their  departure,  leaving  the  vessel 
in  the  hands  of  the  crew.  The  sch.  Victor,  Capt.  Joseph  Bowie,  was  also 
compelled  by  superior  numbers  to  relinquish  fishing  for  squid,  at  the  same 
time,  under  threats  of  having  the  cable  cut,  allowing  the  schooner  to  drift 
on  the  rocks.  Efforts  were  also  made,  on  two  occasions  in  August,  to  pre- 
vent sch.  Martha  C,  Capt.  Charles  Martin,  from  taking  squid,  but  Capt. 
Martin  put  a  bold  face  on  the  matter,  returning  threat  for  threat,  and  took 
what  squid  he  wanted  without  molestation. 

Sch.  Minnesota,  of  Provincetown,  was  also  prevented  from  taking  bait  in 
the  Summer  of  1880.  At  this  time  negotiations  were  in  progress  to  secure 
indemnity  for  the  outrages  upon  American  fishermen,  with  a  prospect  of 
Newfoundland  having  to  pay  the  bills,  and  the  local  authorities  felt  that  it 
was  time  something  was  done  to  show  that  such  lawlessness  was  not  sane- 


1 1 2  FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  B  O  OK. 

tioned  by  those  in  authority.  Accordingly,  five  young  lads  were  arrested  for 
throwing  stones  at  the  crew  of  the  Minnesota  while  they  were  engaged  in  taking 
bait,  and  four  of  them  were  convicted  and  fined. 

Early  in  1878  efforts  were  made  to  secure  compensation  for  the  losses  of 
American  fishermen  in  consequence  of  the  unlawful  acts  of  British  subjects. 
One  excuse  after  another  was  offered  in  justification  of  the  course  pursued 
by  the  riotous  fishermen,  but  none  of  them  could  stand  against  the  plain 
language  of  the  Treaty,  as  interpreted  by  the  evidence  introduced  before 
the  Halifax  Commission,  which  gave  our  fishermen  an  undoubted  right  to 
fish  as  they  pleased  in  the  provincial  waters.  The  negotiations  were  pro- 
longed until  the  Summer  of  188 1,  when  the  United  States  received  from 
Great  Britain  the  sum  of  ^15,000,  which  was  accepted  in  full  for  all  claims 
to  date  on  the  part  of  American  citizens  against  the  government  of  Great 
Britain.  On  the  10th  of  July  a  portion  of  this  sum  was  disbursed  among 
the  Fortune  Bay  fleet  of  1878,  leaving  the  losses  at  Aspey  and  Conception 
Bays  for  future  consideration.  The  Fortune  Bay  fleet  put  in  claims  to  cover 
the  actual  expenses  of  the  voyages,  including  charter  money,  outfits,  port 
charges,  seamen's  wages,  etc.,  and  the  probable  profits  of  the  trips,  had 
they  been  allowed  to  secure  cargoes,  based  upon  the  profits  of  preceding 
years.  The  latter  item  was  disallowed,  and  payment  was  made  on  the  basis 
of  the  actual  expenses,  less  value  of  cargo  secured,  with  seventeen  and  one- 
half  per  cent,  interest,  or  at  the  rate  of  five  per  cent,  per  annum. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  claims  presented,  with  the  amounts  actually 
disbursed  in  settlement  thereof : 


Schooner. 

Actual  Expenses. 

Value  of  Cargo. 

Claim. 

Payment. 

Bonanza, 

$2,855.94 

$975.00 

$3,022.17 

$2,210.10 

Bunker  Hill, 

3,179.50 

1,962.00 

2,677.00 

1,430.56 

Charles  C.  Warren, 

4,610.00 

2,430.00 

4,680.00 

2,561.50 

Crest  of  the  Wave, 

2,619.04 

4,619.04 

3,077.37 

Edward  E.  Webster, 

1,754.50 

4,654.50 

2,061.44 

F.  A.  Smith, 

2,495.50 

4,895.50 

2,932.21 

Fred.  P.  Frye, 

2,150.00 

450.00 

3,700.00 

1,997.50 

Herbert  M.  Rogers, 

3,066.18 

1,120.00 

5,876.30 

2,186.70 

Hereward, 

4,300.00 

562.00 

5,748.00 

4,392.15 

Isaac  Rich, 

2,986.09 

1,836.00 

2,491.09 

1,351.36 

John  W.  Bray, 

2,714.52 

1,525.45 

3.589.07 

1,397.16 

Lizzie  &  Namari, 

3,133.65 

569.25 

5,564.40 

"  3,013.17 

Mary  M., 

2,180.53 

200.00 

5,480.53 

3,327.12 

Maud  &  Effie, 

3,333.13    • 

954.00 

4,379.13 

2,795.48 

Maud  B.  Wetherell, 

3,797.84 

2,067.50 

2,530.34 

2,033.15 

Moro  Castle, 

2,153.18 

4,134.19 

2,529.99 

Moses  Adams, 

2,607.30 

1,021.25 

8,586.05 

1,863.60 

Moses  Knowlton, 

2,661.60 

305.00 

5,356.60 

2,769.00 

New  England, 

3,350.00 

2,722.18 

Ontario, 

- 

3,350.00 

2,995.74 

Wildfire, 

1,530.97 

6,309.82 

1,798.89 

William  E.  McDonald, 

2,153.95 

4,953.95 

2,530.89 

FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


"3 


Importance  of  Fish  Culture. . 

Day  after  day  this  wonderful  enterprise  is  meeting  with  greater  and  great- 
er encouragement.  The  fact  of  reproducing  fish  artificially  is  based  upon 
the  practical  experiences  of  a  Frenchman  nearly  a  century  ago,  and  although 
its  success  proved  largely  beyond  his  expectations,  the  world  remained,  as 
many  people  do  to-day,  skeptical  as  to  the  feasibility  of  the  experiments. 
As  in  all  other  important  events  discovered  by  accident,  science  was  essen. 
tial  to  the  thorough  illustration  in  the  matter  of  fish  culture.  The  advances 
made  within  the  last  half  century  are  simply  bewildering.  The  brook  trout 
was  first  propagated  by  artificial  means ;  now  even  salt-water  fishes,  includ- 
ing lobsters  and  oysters,  are  destined  to  yield  to  the  manipulation  of  man, 
and  have  their  number  increased  beyond  the  limits  of  calculation. 

Necessity,  the  admitted  mother  of  invention,  should  have  prompted  the 
European  scientists  to  make  the  greatest  efforts,  yet  the  facts  are,  it  is  to 
those  of  our  young  republic  to  whom  the  honors  have  been  awarded  for  the 
great  work,  though  surrounded  by  an  abundance.  Under  the  skilful  direc- 
tion of  Prof.  S.  F.  Baird,  the  world  renowned  Seth  Green,  and  others,  the 
propagation  of  fish  and  inventions  pertaining  thereto,  have  won  for  these 
gentlemen  notoriety  unequalled  by  any  pisciculturists  of  the  world.  Hatch- 
eries, transporting  implements,  acclimatizing  of  fish,  fishways,  and  the  like, 
have  been  perfected  in  the  United  States  to  such  a  degree  that  the  European 
Fish  Congress  held  a  year  ago  in  Germany  awarded  their  most  valuable 
prizes  to  gentlemen  of  our  country.     The  State  Fish   Commissioners  have 


ii4  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

seconded  their  national  official  brethren  by  untiring  energy  and  skill,  which 
brings  them  under  honorable  notice  by  their  colabarateurs  abroad.  The 
McDonald  fishway  is  a  monument  which  will  perpetuate  the  name  of  its 
inventor.  Eugene  Blackford  of  New  York  has  his  name  engraved  upon  the 
historical  records  of  fish,  with  the  Lutjanus  blackfordii ;  so  might  be  enum- 
erated every  one  of  these  gentlemen  who,  without  other  consideration  than 
the  true  manly  sense  of  duty,  have  labored  to  protect  and  increase  the  fish 
supply  of  our  country.  Prof.  Geek  of  ■  Wurzburg,  Germany,  a  noted  scien- 
tist, is  now  compiling  a  book  upon  this  interesting  subject,  and  has  wisely 
placed  himself  in  correspondence  with  our  National  and  State  Fish  Commis- 
sioners with  a  view  of  getting  reliable  data  and  information  which  has  been 
derived  from  their  relative  experiences.  This  is  one  of  many  instances  com- 
plimentary to  American  fish  culturists,  but  when  their  present  efforts  will 
have  been  matured  by  material  results,  more  of  them  will  come  pouring  in. 

Much  has  yet  to  be  done  to  develop  the  plans  of  increased  fish  culture. 
The  legislatures  of  the  several  States  must  make  liberal  appropriations,  the 
people  are  to  be  educated  to  the  importance  of  the  enterprise,  and  then  the 
whole  world  will  marvel  at  what  has  and  can  be  done.  Oysters,  which 
form  so  large  a  part  of  our  food  supply,  must  be  artificially  propagated. 
Scientists  are  already  occupying  themselves  about  it,  and  one  or  two  have 
even  devised  apparatus  for  testing  the  subject.  When  this  is  made  practi- 
cable, with  what  is  being  done  towards  the  increase  in  the  supply  of  fish,  a 
fund  of  wealth  will  have  been  opened  far  greater  than  the  gold  fields  of 
Australia  or  California.  Only  a  few  years  ago  German  carp  were  introduced 
into  the  United  States,  yet  at  present  their  produce  would  represent  edible 
fish  to  the  extent  of  many  tons.  In  less  than  ten  years  the  whole  country 
will  be  stocked  with  them.  This  will  materially  lessen  the  existing  vandal- 
ism practiced  in  our  lakes  and  streams,  consequently  assisting  nature  in  the 
increase  of  fish  in  them. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  115 


The  Fisheries  in  the  Olden  Time, 

BY    W.    E.    S. 

Upon  visiting  old  Gloucester,  my  native  place,  recently,  I  was  forcibly 
reminded,  by  way  of  contrast,  of  the  ways  and  means  by  which  the  business 
was  carried  on  in  the  years  long,  long  ago,  the  days  of  our  fathers  and 
grandfathers,  and  even  down  to  the  time  of  my  own  boyhood's  remembrance. 
The  Grand  Bank  cod  fishery  was  considered  the  "heavy  business"  in  these 
old  days.  This  was  varied  somewhat  by  occasional  trips  to  Labrador,  Bay 
Chaleur,  etc.  The  pursuit  of  mackerel  as  a  specialty  had  then  hardly  com- 
menced, and  the  curing  and  smoking  of  halibut  for  the  trade  was  unknown. 
The  crews  of  the  Bankers  would  sometimes  bring  home  a  few  fletched  for 
family  use,  that  were  cured  in  the  smoke  of  the  cabin. 

Fitting  away  for  the  Banks  was  usually  attended  to  along  in  March,  and 
during  April  they  were  well  on  their  way  to  their  destination.  Two  trips, 
or  fares,  generally  occupied  the  season ;  a  Fall  fare  was  sometimes  under- 
taken, but  for  this  the  chances  were  not  considered  favorable,  by  reason  of 
bad  weather  for  fishing  and  the  equinoctial  gales.  The  "old  salts"  would 
sometimes  tell  of  intending  to  partake  of  their  Christmas  dinner  before  get- 
ting up  anchor  for  home  ;  but  I  think  that  this  feat  was  never  accomjDlished, 
at  any  rate,  "  hardly  ever." 

It  was  the  custom  to  keep  count  of  the  number  of  fish  caught,  and  a  fare 
of  thirty  to  forty  thousand,  or  enough  to  "eat  all  their  salt,"  was  considered 
fair  luck.  An  expert  could  estimate  very  nearly  the  amount  a  given  num- 
ber of  fish  would  weigh  off  when  thoroughly  cured. 

The  fish  were  all  caught  "over  the  rail."'  I  remember  of  hearing  it  said 
that  French  vessels  were  sometimes  met  with  on  the  Banks,  that  were  fish- 
ing with  trawls.  On  the  arrival  of  a  Banker  the  first  move  was  to  ascertain 
the  number  of  fish  caught,  by  hailing  from  the  rocks  back  of  the  old  Fort, 
and  after  coming  to  anchor  in  the  inner  harbor  commenced  the  "washing 
out."  The  "pound,"  a  frame,  or  raft  of  timber,  loosely  boarded  over  and 
around  the  sides,  was  made  fast  alongside ;  into  this  the  fish  were  thrown, 
and  the  pickle  and  undissolved  salt  washed  off,  thence  taken  to  the  shore 
in  boats,  they  were  piled  in  "water  house"  upon  a  stratum  of  brush,  shav- 
ings, etc.  After  remaining  in  this  condition  a  week  or  more,  to  allow  the 
superfluous  moisture  to  drain  off,  they  were  transferred  to  the  flakes,  where, 
with  careful  tending,  they  were  cured  and  thoroughly  dried  for  market,  for- 
eign or  domestic. 


n6 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


For  shipment  to  the  West  Indies,  the  Spanish  main  and  other  foreign 
ports,  the  fish  were  packed,  under  a  powerful  screw  pressure,  in  large  casks, 
made  for  the  purpose,  known  as  fish  hogsheads.  There  were  times  after 
the  close  of  our  Revolution,  and  while  Europe  was  involved  in  Napoleon's 
wars,  that  fish  found  a  ready  market  and  a  high  price  on  the  continent. 
They  were  in  great  demand  for  army  supplies..  I  have  heard  of  fish  being 
sold  there  at  such  times,  for  a  French  crown  ($1.10)  apiece. 

The  fishing  vessels  were  sometimes  employed  in  Winter  voyages  to  for- 
eign ports,  carrying  the  proceeds  of  their  Summer's  work,  returning  with 
cargoes  of  foreign  produce  and  money.  Many  of  the  fishermen  would  ship 
for  their  Winter's  voyage,  and  thus  employ  their  time  for  the  year  round. 
I  have  heard  Uncle  Sam  Day,  a  veteran  hand-liner,  tell  of  going  to  -the 
Banks  in  the  Spring  and  Summer,  working  awhile  at  shoemaking  in  the 
Fall,  and  going  a  "wige"  to  Bilboa  in  the  Winter.  It  was  thus,  that  in  ad- 
dition to  their  fishing  experience,  they  became  expert  and  able  seamen,  that 
could  "hand,  reef  and  steer"  on  board  a  man-of-war,  with  the  same  facility 
as  they  could  haul  a  line  over  the  rail.  The  sturdy  fishermen  of  Glouces- 
ter, Beverly,  Marblehead,  and  all  along  shore,  have  been  well  represented 
in  our  navy  in  the  time  of  their  country's  need. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


"7 


Salmon  Fishing  at  the  Mouth  of  the  Columbia  Eiver, 

Oregon. 

The  season  of  the  salmon  fisheries  of  the  Columbia  river  commences  in 
April,  and  is  over  by  the  end  of  July.  The  fish  are  taken  in  tide-water  by 
nets  and  traps,  in  immense  quantities,  as  they  ascend  the  river  fresh  from 
the  ocean.  They  are  cured  fresh,  in  one  and  two  pound  cans,  and  cured 
by  pickle  in  barrels  and  half-barrels.  The  Columbia  salmon  is  very  fat, 
and' of  peculiarly  fine  flavor.  Salmon  fishing  is  also  carried  on  at  the 
mouths  of  the  Rogue,  Umpqua,  Coquille,  and  Nehalem  rivers,  where  the 
catches,  however,  serve  principally  to  supply  the  home  consumption. 

The  salmon  pack  on  the  Pacific  coast  during  the  past  season,  1881,  has 
been  the  largest  ever  known.  The  following,  from  the  San  Francisco 
Journal  of  Commerce,  are  the  particulars  :  Columbia  River,  540,000  cases  ; 
Sacramento  River  (Spring),  140,000  do.;  Sacramento  River  (Fall),  40,000  do.; 
Fraser  River,  110,000  do.;  miscellaneous — outside  rivers,  30,000  do.;  total, 
860,000  cases.  The  total  pack  for  the  past  four  years  has  been  as  follows  : 
1881,  860,000  cases;  1880,  679,495  do.;  1879,  539,600  do.;  1878,  638,000 
do.  It  is  thus  seen  that  188 1  leaves  all  other  years  far  in  the  shade,  being 
nearly  27  per  cent,  higher  than  that  of  1880,  the  greatest  previous  year. 

The  first  white  men,  as  we  learn  from  the  "Astorian,"  who  fished  in  the 
Columbia  river  to  the  extent  of  making  a  business  of  it,  were  Italians,  who 


n8  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

supplied  the  little  market  demand  at  Portland  during  the  run,  and  salted 
down  a  few  kegs  for  Winter  use.  In  1864  Mr.  William  Hume,  a  practical 
fisherman,  started  a  cannery  on  the  Sacramento  river,  California,  and  did  a 
profitable  business,  but  hearing  that  the  Chinock  or  Columbia  river  salmon 
were  of  better  quality  than  the  fish  of  the  Sacramento,  came  up  in  the 
Spring  of  1866  to  investigate.  He  at  once  secured  a  site  at  Eagle  Cliff,  on 
the  Washington  Territory  side  of  the  river,  put  up  a  small  building,  brought 
appliances  and  skilled  men  from  his  establishment  on  the  Sacramento,  and 
that  season — 1866 — put  up  4,000  cases  of  four  dozen  one-pound  cans  each. 
In  this  work  he  employed  forty  persons,  ten  of  whom  were  fishermen.  His 
success  in  catching  and  packing  the  fish,  and  his  subsequent  profitable  sale 
of  the  pack,  encouraged  him  and  his  partner  (Mr.  Hapgood,  of  California,) 
to  double  their  facilities,  and  the  next  season  they  put  up  8,000  cases.  In 
1867  George  W.  Hume,  who  had  been  a  sharer  in  the  original  venture,  drew 
out  and  put  up  a  cannery  of  his  own,  packing  10,000  cases.  The  next  year 
William  Hume  and  Hapgood  and  George  Hume  continued  in  the  business, 
and  Capt.  John  West,  of  Westport,  put  up  a  cannery,  the  total  pack  of  the 
three  establishments  being  28,000  cases.  The  next  season  R.  D.  Hume, 
brother  of  William  and  George,  set  up  a  cannery  at  Cathlamet,  and  from 
that  year — 1869 — the  business  has  grown  rapidly  until  now,  when  salmon 
packing  is  the  largest  industry,  save  wheat  growing,  in  the  Northwest,  when 
more  salmon  is  put  up  on  the  Columbia  river  than  in  all  other  localities  in 
the  world. 

The  following  table,  showing  the  number  of  cases  packed  each  year,  the 
corresponding  price  of  canned  salmon,  and  the  cost  of  fish  on  the  river,  will 
illustrate  the  progress  and  changes  which  sixteen  years  have  made : 


Year. 

Total  Product. 

Price. 

Cost  of  Fish. 

1866 

4,000 

$16.00 

15  cents. 

1867 

18,000 

13.00 

15 

K 

1868 

28,000 

12.00 

20 

a 

1869 

100,000 

10.00 

20 

11 

1870 

150,000 

9.00 

20 

a 

1871 

200,000 

7-5o 

22^ 

a 

1S72 

250,000 

8.00 

25 

ti 

i*73 

250,000 

7.00 

25 

« 

1874 

350,000 

6.50 

25 

u 

18.75 

375>°°° 

5.60 

25 

« 

1876 

450,000 

4-5° 

25 

«. 

1877 

460,000 

5.20 

25 

« 

1878 

460,000 

5.00 

25 

» 

1879 

480,000 

4.60 

5° 

a 

1880 

530,000 

4.80 

.5° 

a 

1881 

550,000 

5-9? 

60 

U 

FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  119 

Between  Cape  Disappointment  and  the  Cascades  there  are  thirty-five  can- 
ning establishments  and  more  than  a  dozen  fishing  stations.  At  each  of 
these  points  there  are  houses  of  various  kinds,  canneries  filled  with  expen- 
sive appliances,  etc.,  etc.  Ten  steamboats  and  tugs,  owned  by  the  canners, 
run  as  tenders,  and  one  large  boat  is  run  during  the  season  by  the  O.  R.  & 
N.  Co.,  merely  to  carry  fish.  There  are  1,400  fishing  boats  and  nets  on  the 
river.  The  total  value  of  all  property  engaged  in  the  salmon  business  is 
above  $2,000,000,  the  largest  individual  interest  being  that  of  William 
Hume,  $150,000.  Fishing  boats  cost  $250  each,  and  nets  from  $300  to 
$400  each.  A  boat  will  last  ten  years  with  ordinary  usage.  The  boats  are 
of  Port  Orford  cedar  and  oak,  with  copper  fastenings,  and  are  made  by 
builders  at  Astoria.  Formerly  all  boats  were  made  at  San  Francisco,  but  the 
Astoria  merchants  do  better  and  cheaper  work,  and  so  have  monopolized 
the  business.  More  than  fifty  boats  were  built  here  this  Summer.  They 
are  generally  24  feet  long,  26  inches  deep,  and  6  feet  6  inches  beam,  sharp 
at  both  ends,  narrowly  decked  on  the  ends  and  sides,  furnished  with  center- 
boards,  and  can  be  rowed  or  sailed,  as  the  winds  serve.  They  are  magnifi- 
cent sea  boats,  run  easily,  and  will  carry  about  four  tons. 

The  number  of  men  directly  employed  in  the  fishing  business  during  the 
busy  season  is  about  7,500,  of  whom  4,000  are  Chinese.  It  is  impossible  to 
give  exact  figures,  because  the  figures  continually  change,  but  these  esti- 
mates are  based  upon  careful  inquiry,  and  are  approximately  correct.  In 
the  actual  work  of  fishing  about  2,500  white  men  were  engaged  from  April 
1  to  August  1 — four  months.  Half  of  these  are  masters  of  boats  and  the 
other  half  assistants  or  pullers.  Independent  fishermen  who  own  their 
boats  and  nets  and  sell  their  catch  to  the  canneries,  receive  60  or  62^  cents 
per  fish.  As  a  rule,  however,  the  canneries  own  the  outfits,  for  the  use  of 
which  the  fisherman  gives  one-third  of  his  catch,  receiving  only  40  cents 
per  fish  from  the  cannery.  Each  fisherman  employs  and  makes  terms  with 
his  own  boat  puller,  the  usual  rate  for  this  service  being  a  share  in  the 
catch,  about  the  equivalent  of  $70  per  month.  One  hundred  dollars  per 
month,  after  charges  for  boat  and  net  and  pay  of  boat  puller  are  deducted, 
is  considered  only  a  fair  return  to  the  fisherman,  and  the  average  is  rather 
above  than  below  this  estimate.  Only  white  men  engage  in  fishing,  the 
greater  proportion,  however,  being  Italians,  Fins,  and  other  foreigners,  men 
without  families,  who  come  to  the  river  from  San  Francisco  only  during  the 
fishing  season. 

In  the  canneries  all  the  responsible  places  are  filled  by  white  men,  whose 
pay  ranges  from  $50  to  $150  per  month,  the  average  being  about  $65. 
About  one  thousand  men  are  so  employed.  The  greater  part  of  the  inside 
work  is  done  by  Chinamen,  whose  average  pay  is  $1  per  day  and  board. 
Four  thousand  are  employed  on  the  river. 


120 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


On  the  Beach  in  a  Storm, 


Is  a  suggestive  picture,  well  calculated  to  awaken  the  sympathies.  The 
women  are  the  wives  of  fishermen,  who  are  off  on  the  waste  of  waters,  seek- 
ing to  make  the  harbor  in  the  violence  of  the  Summer  gale.  Night  is  fast 
settling  down  over  the  scene,  and  amid  the  gathering  darkness  the  women, 
with  hearts  full  of  dread  apprehensions,  watch  the  little  boats  as  they  breast 
the  waves,  far  out  on  the  seething  waters,  ever  and  anon  encouraging  the 
active  little  fellow,  who  appears  with  his  arms  full  of  wood,  to  pile  it  on,  and 
thus  keep  the  fire  burning  brightly,  as  a  beacon  light,  to  guide  their  loved 
ones  to  safety  when  the  night  shuts  down.  They  heed  not  the  piercing 
winds,  not  the  fury  of  the  blasts — their  hearts  are  out  there  with  loved  ones, 
and  their  prayer  is  that  they  may  safely  reach  the  harbor.  Then,  and  then 
only,  can  they  feel  at  rest. 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK.  121 


Narrow  Escape  from  Foundering. 

Sch.  David  A.  Story,  Capt.  Joseph  Ryan,  left  Gloucester,  Nov.  12,  1880, 
with  a  favoring  breeze,  and  had  a  magnificent  run,  making  the  passage  to 
Grand  Menan,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles,  in  the  re- 
markably short  time  of  eighteen  hours.  After  procuring  a  supply  of  bait 
she  proceeded  to  Halifax,  where  she  arrived  on  Sunday  evening,  and  taking 
a  supply  of  ice  on  board  the  next  day,  put  to  sea  again  on  Tuesday  evening, 
and  arrived  on  St.  Peter's  Bank  on  Friday,  the  19th.  On  Saturday  one  set 
of  the  trawls  was  made,  the  only  set  during  the  trip,  and  finding  no  fish,  the 
vessel  was  got  underway  and  moved  farther  to  the  eastward.  No  other  op- 
portunity was  presented  to  fish,  as  it  was  blowing  heavily  all  the  while,  and 
Monday,  the  2 2d,  at  about  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  schooner  then 
having  about  three  hundred  fathoms  of  nine-inch  cable  out  in  ninety-five 
fathoms  of  water,  she  struck  adrift.  She  was  given  another  hundred  fath- 
oms of  cable,  which  failed  to  bring  her  up,  the  northwest  wind  blowing  so 
furiously,  and  the  tide  running  so  strong,  that  she  floated  her  cable  and  an- 
chor and  drifted  before  the  wind  and  tide.  The  signal  lights  could  not  be 
kept  burning  a  great  while  at  a  time  in  such  a  gale,  but  everything  was  made 
as  snug  as  possible,  and  leaving  the  regular  watch  of  two  men  on  deck,  the 
rest  of  the  crew  retired,  six  being  quartered  in  the  cabin  and  six  in  the  fore- 
castle. 

About  half-past  two  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  Tuesday,  the  23d,  finding 
that  the  cable  needed  parceling,  one  of  the  watch  went  below  to  call  the 
captain,  leaving  only  one  man,  Lyman  Murray,  on  deck.  Just  at  this  time 
the  vessel  was  struck  by  a  tremendous  sea,  knocking  her  down,  with  her 
masts  level  in  the  water.     Murray  saw  the  sea  coming,  and  running  to  the 


122  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

leeward  of  the  foremast,  clung  to  the  iron  around  the  stovepipe,  which  was 
attached  to  the  deck,  where  he  was  found  insensible  when  the  rest  of  the 
crew  were  able  to  get  on  deck,  with  his  leg  broken,  and  splinters  of  the 
shattered  spars  driven  through  his  boot  and  into  the  leg.  The  house  and 
forecastle  companion-ways  were  stove,  and  a  flood  of  water  pouring  into  the 
cabin  and  forecastle  prevented  the  egress  of  the  men  who  were  imprisoned 
there.  One  man  succeeded  in  getting  out  of  the  cabin  and  walked  along 
on  the  side  of  the  house,  holding  on  to  the  weather  rail.  Fortunately,  in 
about  a  minute  and  a  half  the  vessel  wore  round  and  righted,  and  the  rest 
of  the  crew  were  released  from  their  duress,  when  a  scene  of  desolation  met 
their  gaze. 

In  capsizing,  the  cable  had  parted,  involving  the  loss  of  four  hundred  and 
fifteen  fathoms  thereof,  with  an  anchor ;  the  fore-boom  was  broken  into  two 
pieces,  and  the  fore-gafl  into  three,  a  piece  of  the  latter  being  found  forward 
of  the  foremast,  and  another  portion  across  the  bowsprit ;  the  signal  light 
was  in  pieces  at  the  foremast  head  ;  the  saddle  and  all  the  apparatus  around 
the  mast  was  destroyed ;  the  foresail  was  badly  split  and  the  riding-sail 
blown  away ;  the  schooner's  six  dories  were  washed  away  or  smashed  to 
pieces  on  the  deck ;  and  the  gurry-pens  and  everything  movable  on  deck 
was  destroyed.  Below,  the  fires  and  lights  were  extinguished  by  the  water, 
all  the  open  stores  and  cooking  gear  were  destroyed,  and  the  bedding  and 
clothing  of  the  crew  completely  soaked.  As  soon  as  possible  steps  were 
taken  to  clear  away  the  wreck,  two  of  the  men  setting  their  wounded  com- 
panion's leg  while  the  others  were  clearing  the  deck.  An  attempt  was  made 
to  lay  her  to,  which  was  ineffectual,  as  they  could  not  balance-reef  the  main- 
sail, and  she  was  run  before  the  wind  for  about  four  hours.  While  thus 
running  she  was  boarded  by  another,  though  smaller,  sea,  and  Capt.  Ryan 
had  a  narrow  escape  from  being  washed  overboard,  saving  himself  by  cling- 
ing to  a  reef-point  in  the  foresail.  The  weather  was  very  severe,  and  with 
no  opportunity  to  dry  their  clothes,  the  crew  had  a  hard  time  of  it  for  the 
ensuing  week,  while  endeavoring  to  make  a  port.  They  arrived  at  Canso 
at  noon  on  Wednesday,  Dec.  ist,  where  they  landed  their  injured  shipmate, 
and  after  making  a  few  necessary  repairs  proceeded  to  Halifax,  and  thence 
home. 


FISHEAMEIPS  OIVX  HOOK. 


Hammerhead  Shark— The  Shark's  Mouth— Shark  Fishing. 

The  above  engraving  illustrates  a  species  ol  shark  of  the  genus 
The  head  is  Hat  with  the  orbits  extending  laterally  in  a  most  extraordinary 
manner,  flexible  and  doubled  on  themselves  in  the  foetus,  but  standing  out  at 
right  angles  and  to  er  distano  •  advances,    (  >n  the  end  of 

these  lateral  pi  ire  the  lai  Appleton's  Encyclopaedia  states 

that  "this  strange  form  of  head  Is  found  in  no  other  vertebrate,  and  only  in 
some  dipterous  Insects  [./;••  >,  and  In  many  decapod  crustaceans 

■  eyes  are  at  the  end  of  long  pedicels,    The  Bnout  is  truncated  so  that 
the  head  resembles  a  double  hammer  j  the  nostrils  are  on  the  front  border 
and  have  a  small  nasal  flap;  the  teeth  are  alike  above  and  below,  com 
id  pyramids,  sometimes  with  serrated  external  basal  ridge  ami  .1  mesial 

tOOth  'm  both  jaws,  tail  pits  distinet.      It  attains   a    length    "I    twelve    feet  or 

more,  and  is  grayish  above,  with  head  nearly  black,  and  whitish  below  ;  the 
Iris  Is  yellow  j  the  first  dorsal  is  high,  triangular,  falcate,  and  toward  the 
upper  part  of  the  back,  the  second  smaller  and  oeai  the  tail,    it  la  found  la 


124  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

the  Mediterranean  and  in  the  warm  seas  of  most  parts  of  the  globe,  espe- 
cially of  the  East  Indies,  and  generally  in  deep  water.  The  common  spe- 
cies of  America,  between  Massachusetts  and  Brazil,  once  considered  the 
Z.  malleus,  has  been  described  by  Dr.  Storer  as  the  Z.  arcuata;  it  attains  a 
length  of  eleven  or  twelve  feet,  and  is  much  dreaded  by  fishermen." 

The  shark's  mouth  is  one  of  the  most  formidable  means  of  destruction  we 
know  of  among  animals  anywhere.  It  is  on  the  under  side  of  the  head, 
some  distance  back  of  the  end  of  the  snout,  and  crescent-shaped.  The 
teeth  are  in  three  to  seven  close,  crescentric,  parallel  rows,  the  largest  and 
oldest  ones  in  front,  the  smaller  ones  behind — that  is,  further  inside  the 
mouth.  Some  sharks  have  more  than  two  hundred  of  these  teeth.  They 
are  three-cornered,  exceedingly  thin  and  sharp-pointed,  and  in  some  cases 
have  saw-edges.  When  the  mouth  is  wide  open  they  stand  erect,  almost 
protrude  from  the  lip,  but  when  it  is  closed  they  lie  down  flat,  out  of  the 
way.  When  those  in  the  front  row  wear  out  or  break  off,  the  next  row  be- 
hind is  gradually  pushed  forward  to  take  their  place.  The  shark  thus  has 
reserves  of  teeth  which,  operated  by  the  tough  and  exceedingly  muscular 
mechanism  of  the  jaws,  are  able  to  bite  through  anything,  especially  since 
the  bite  is  nearly  always  accompanied  by  a  rolling  or  wrenching  movement, 
which  causes  the  teeth  to  act  like  a  saw,  and  thus  cut  through  the  quicker. 
For  some  of  the  sharks  in  the  South  seas  it  would  only  be  a  moderate 
mouthful  to  take  half  a  man's  body  in,  and  clip  him  off  at  the  waist.  Nev- 
ertheless, we  believe  fewer  persons  have  lost  their  lives  by  sharks  than  we 
generally  suppose,  though  many  narrow  escapes  are  constantly  happening. 

A  veteran  New  York  fisherman  says  :  "Shark  fishing  pays,  and  it's  great 
fun  for  a  green  hand.  The  business  is  carried  on  principally  for  the  oil 
and  fins.  A  big  place  for  them  is  the  White  Sea,  and  again  in  Iceland. 
The  sharks  they  get  there  are  from  thirty  to  fifty  feet  long.  Sometimes  they 
run  in  around  the  Grand  Bank  and  are  caught.  About  four  barrels  of  oil  is 
the  average  from  a  good-sized  fellow.  My  shark  fishing  was  all  done  near 
New  Smyrna,  Florida.  Some  sharks  would  give  half  a  barrel  of  oil,  but  they 
were  generally  under  fifteen  feet.  We  usually  hired  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
darkies  to  do  the  pulling  and  hauling,  and  camped  out  during  the  months 
of  July,  August  and  September,  moving  up  and  down  whenever  the  biting 
was  poor.  Wre  carried  our  pots  and  things  along  and  tried  out  the  livers, 
and  shipped  the  oil  by  a  smack  up  to  Fernandina,  where  it  was  all  bought 
by  one  man.  I  don't  know  what  he  did  with  it.  Some  said  he  sold  it  for 
cod  liver  oil.  We  used  a  regular  hook  and  line,  only  it  was  a  rope,  and  the 
hook  was  a  foot  long,  and  made  fast  to  the  line  by  a  three-foot  chain.  Fish 
bait  was  the  best.  We  kept  about  twenty  of  these  lines  over  all  the  time 
at  regular  intervals  along  wherever  the  water  deepened  quick  from  the 
shore.     All  the  lines  were  about  fifty  yards  long.     Sometimes  they  fool  over 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


"5 


the  bait,  but  generally  a  big  shark  will  nose  it  once  or  twice,  and  then  suck 
it  up  and  move  off,  swallowing  the  bait  as  he  goes.  You  want  to  give  him 
about  fifteen  feet  of  rope,  and  when  he  hauls  the  line  taut  all  jerk  together. 
Then  the  work  commences — fun  some  people  call  it.  As  soon  as  he  feels 
the  hook  he  makes  a  big  rush  that  will  often  start  ten  or  fifteen  men,  and 
I've  seen  five  jerked  right  into  the  water  on  the  start.  Up  and  down  he 
goes,  sometimes  jumping  into  the  air  and  trying  to  shake  out  the  hook,  and 
some  old  fellows  will  swim  right  for  you  and  try  to  bite  the  line.  In  India 
they  catch  the  sharks  for  their  fins  and  send  them  to  China,  where  they 
make  them  into  soup." 

In  an  interesting  article  on  shark  fishing,  in  Frank  Leslie's  Illustrated 
Newspaper,  we  learn  that  the  "capacity  of  some  of  these  sea-wonders  is 
enormous.  The  writer  caught  one  at  Tortugas,  Fla.,  that  weighed  about 
900  pounds.  It  was  a  white  shark,  and  for  a  long  time  had  lived  around 
the  slaughter-house  located  on  the  edge  of  the  channel.  It  took  about 
twenty  men  to  get  him  in  ultimately.  In  the  stomach  was  found  the  skull 
and  horns  of  a  steer  that  had  been  thrown  over  the  day  before,  three  hoofs, 
besides  a  heterogeneous  mass  of  old  rope,  seaweed,  and  two  or  three  old  tin 
cans  that  perhaps  retained  some  of  the  meats  that  had  been  packed  in 
them.  The  jaw  was  saved.  It  had  eight  rows  of  serrated  teeth,  and  fitted 
over  a  man's  body  easily.  It  is  now  in  the  Museum  of  Natural  History, 
Central  Park.  The  fossil  sharks  of  the  tertiary  period  grew  to  an  enormous 
length,  exceeding  150  feet.  At  Charleston,  S.  C,  their  teeth  are  found  bur- 
ied in  vast  quantities,  some  measuring  seven  inches  in  length.  A  horse  and 
cart  could  easily  have  driven  into  the  mouths  of  these  monsters,  that  were 
fitting  representatives  of  the  age  of  expansion  in  which  they  lived. 


NO  MORE  SEA. 


BY  S.  G.  D. 


We  wandered  hand  in  hand  that  day, 
Beside  the  calm,  blue  sea, 
The  smiling,  sunlit  sea; 
The  waters  murmured  at  our  feet, 
The  world  was  fair,  and  life  was  sweet, 
The  hours  sped  by  on  pinions  fleet, — 
He  told  his  love  for  me  I 

Alone  I  walk  the  shore  to-night, 

Beside  the  stormy  sea, 

The  wildly  tossing  sea; 
The  watery  waste  is  one  vast  grave ; 


0  sweeping  surf !  O  moaning  wave  I 
What  far-off,  dreary,  sunless  cave 

Keeps  back  my  love  from  me? 

The  tides  come  in,  the  tides  go  out, — 

But  nevermore  the  sea, 

The  restless,  fickle  sea, 
Brings  back  my  love.    Yet,  hand  in  hand, 

1  know  my  love  and  I  shall  stand, 
Some  blissful  day  in  that  fair  land, 

Where  there  is  no  more  sea  I 


126  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Fishermen's  Superstitions, 

BY  J.    W.    COLLINS. 

That  there  is  more  or  less  superstitious  feeling  in  all  seamen,  from  the 
humblest  fisher  boy  to  the  rear  admiral,  is  apparent  to  every  one  who  has 
had  an  opportunity  to  observe  the  peculiarities  of  seafaring  men.  The  fact 
that  seamen,  and  especially  fishermen,  seem  to  be  more  dependent  on  "luck" 
than  almost  any  other  class  of  men,  and  that  they  are  constantly  meeting 
with  events  calculated  to  excite  superstitious  feelings  in  the  credulous,  is, 
without  doubt,  the  cause  of  their  believing  in  omens,  signs,  etc.,  to  a  certain 
extent. 

But,  are  fishermen  much  more  superstitious  than  other  people  among 
whom  they  mingle  when  on  shore,  or  even,  to  go  farther  than  that,  some 
who  move  in  the  "highest  circles?" 

Most  writers  on  the  fisheries  have  discussed  the  credulity  of  the  fisher- 
men, and,  no  doubt,  many  people  have  come  to  think  that  in  this  respect 
they  differ  from  the  majority  of  mankind.  Perley,*  writing  of  the  fisherman 
of  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  says :  "He  will  undertake  nothing  of  consequence 
upon  a  Friday,  and  can  prove  by  a  hundred  incidents  how  infallible  are  the 
signs  and  omens  which  he  believes  in.  He  thinks  to  die  in  his  bed.  True 
it  is  that  he  has  been  overset;  that  his  boat,  loaded  with  fish  to  the  'gun- 
nel,' has  sunk  under  him,  and  that  a  vessel  has  run  over  him;  but  he  is  still 
alive  and  was  not  born  to  be  drowned."  *  *  "He  believes  in  witches 
and  dreams." 

Granting  that  fishermen  are  credulous,  it  by  no  means  follows  that  they 
are  peculiar  in  this  respect;  or  that  they  are  the  only  ones  who  believe 
that  "coming  events  cast  their  shadows  before."  The  thrifty  New  England 
housewife  looks  with  unspeakable  dread  on  a  broken  looking-glass,  predict- 
ing "seven  years'  hard  luck;"  expects  a  stranger  when  she  drops  her  dish- 
cloth on  the  floor ;  tells  her  daughter,  if  the  latter  upsets  a  chair  acciden- 
tally, "You  won't  get  married  this  year;"  and  so  on,  ad  infinitum. 

An  excellent  authority,  Sabine,t  writing  of  the  American  fisherman,  says : 
"It  is  said  that  he  is  credulous  and  superstitious.  Admit  that  'KiddV 
money'  has  been  dug  for  in  every  dark  nook  of  the  coast,  or  talked  about 
in  every  cuddy,  for  a  century  and  a  half,  and  that  horseshoes  are  nailed  upon 
the  masts  of  fishing  vessels  to  keep  off  witches;  what  then?     Is  he  the 


*M.  H.  Perley.    "Report  on  the  Fisheries  of  New  Brunswick,"  1851. 
fLorenzo  Sabine.    "  Report  on  Fisheries  of  the  American  Seas,"  1853,  p.  3S3. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  127 

only  one  who  has  been  or  still  is,  guilty  of  the  same  follies?"  He  adds,  in 
a  foot  note  :  "In  1825  the  Duchess  de  Berri  visited  a  watering  place  in 
France,  and  indulged  in  sea  bathing.  Sea  water  and  fish  which  were  after- 
wards taken  from  the  spot  were  articles  of  immense  value,  and  sold  at 
enormous  prices.  Indeed,  those  persons  who  could  not  purchase  a  whole 
fish  gladly  possessed  themselves  of  a  few  scales  or  a  fin!  The  water  where 
the  'royal  person'  had  been  washed,  when  bottled,  and  offered  for  sale,  was 
known  as  'Berri  wine.'"  Well  may  Sabine  ask,  "Have  fishermen  in  any 
age  been  guilty  of  greater  folly  than  these  fashionable  people  of  France?" 

Among  the  New  England  fishermen  the  superstitious  belief  in  the  various 
signs  and  omens  that  will  be  spoken  of  farther  on,  is  by  no  means  univer- 
sal. On  the  contrary,  many  of  the  most  intelligent  pay  little  attention  to 
what  they  call  "old  women's  yarns."  Among  the  superstitions  of  the  New 
England  fishermen  may  be  mentioned  the  following: 

First — A  belief  in  lucky  and  unlucky  sailing  days.  Almost  from  time 
immemorial  Friday  has  been  considered  an  ill-omened  day  upon  which  to 
begin  a  voyage.  Nor  has  this  belief  been  confined  to  fishermen  alone,  but 
has  been  shared  in  common  by  all  seamen.  At  present,  little  regard  is  paid 
what  are  called  unlucky  sailing  days  by-the  Gloucester  fishermen.  This  is 
no  doubt  due,  in  a  degree  at  least,  to  the  sharp  competition  that  has  sprung 
up  among,  the  fishermen,  and  it  is  not  an  unusual  sight,  when  a  fine  Friday 
comes  after  a  period  of  bad  weather,  to  see  a  large  fleet  spread  their  snowy 
canvas  and  sail  away  for  the  fishing  grounds. 

That  the  beginning  of  a  voyage  on  Friday  has  been  followed  by  both 
good  and  ill  results  in  an  equally  great  number  of  cases  might  easily  be 
shown.  I  can  relate  two  opposite  instances  out  of  my  own  experience,  as, 
doubtless,  could  many  others. 

In  the  Spring  of  1864  I  started  on  a  codfishing  trip  to  Cashes,  sailing  on 
Friday.  This  trip,  though  not  disastrous,  was  an  eventful  one,  and  did  not 
prove  so  successful  as  circumstances  had  led  us  to  expect.  On  one  occa- 
sion during  the  trip,  having  to  take  the  place  in  a  dory  of  one  of  the  crew 
who  was  sick,  I  went  astray  in  the  fog,  and  was  out  several  hours — the  only 
occurrence  of  that  kind  that  ever  happened  to  me.  Another  day  the  vessel 
caught  fire  in  the  forecastle,  during  the  cook's  absence,  and  while  the  rest  of 
us  were  busy  dressing  fish.  The  first  knowledge  we  had  of  it  was  the  burst- 
ing of  flames  out  of  the  forward  companion-way.  The  fire  had  made  such 
progress  that  we  succeeded  in  subduing  it  only  with  the  greatest  difficulty 
and  at  considerable  personal  risk.  One  night,  the  man  on  watch,  in  trying 
to  change  the  "net-swing,"  to  which  was  attached  a  gang  of  herring  nets, 
lost  his  hold  of  the  rope,  and  away  went  the  whole  lot,  drifting  off  with  the 
tide.  Prompt  action  on  our  part  saved  the  nets,  though  it  was  not  looked 
upon  as  a  particularly  lucky  incident  to  have  to  turn  out  at  midnight  and 


128  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

start  off,  half  naked,  to  search  for  the  drifting  property.  But,  to  crown  all, 
a  big  school  of  dogfish  struck  on  the  fishing  ground  and  drove  all  other 
kinds  of  fish  away,  rendering  useless  all  further  attempts  to  complete  our 
trip.  As  might  have  been  expected,  the  more  credulous  ascribed  these  un- 
fortunate incidents  to  having  sailed  on  Friday. 

On  another  occasion  I  began  my  year's  work  upon  a  Friday  early  in  Jan- 
uary, and  it  so  happened  that  we  left  home  on  the  same  "unlucky"  day 
every  trip  but  one  during  the  whole  year.  As  we  were  successful  in  all  in- 
stances, our  crew  came  to  think  that  Friday  was  a  lucky  sailing  day. 

Second — A  belief  in  "Jonahs."  A  Jonah  may  be  something  animate  or 
inanimate,  or  even  the  result  of  the  actions  or  accidents  of  persons ;  in  fact, 
almost  everything  that  is  supposed  to  bring  ill  luck  is  called  a  Jonah.  Thus, 
a  vessel  known  to  be  unfortunate  is  said  to  be  a  Jonah  ;  it  is  often  difficult 
to  obtain  a  crew  of  good  men  for  her,  if  men  are  scarce,  although  she  may 
be  well  adapted  for  the  business  in  which  she  is  engaged.  Equal  trouble  is 
also  sometimes  experienced  by  expert  fishermen  in  securing  a  berth  on 
board  of  a  fishing  vessel,  because  they  possess  the  unenviable  reputation  of 
being  a  Jonah.     Of  this  I  will  speak  further  on. 

As  to  the  vessels,  it  occasionally  happens,  curiously  enough,  that  some  of 
them  meet  with  ill  fortune  for  several  years  in  succession,  and  under  such 
circumstances  that,  to  believers,  the  evidence  of  their  being  Jonahs  is  as 
strong  as  "proofs  of  Holy  Writ." 

I  recall  a  singular  circumstance  of  this  kind,  with  the  particulars  of  which 
I  was  familiar  at  the  time  they  occurred.  Several  years  ago  a  new  vessel 
was  brought  to  Gloucester  from  the  port  where  she  was  built.  She  was 
of  the  largest  class  employed  in  the  fisheries — a  beauty  in  model  and  rig — 
and  the  skipper,  who  was  a  young  man,  and  part  owner,  naturally  felt  a 
commendable  pride  in  the  fine  schooner  which  he  commanded.  One  day, 
however,  while  this  vessel  was  being  fitted  for  her  first  trip,  an  acquaintance 
of  the  captain  said  to  him,  "I'm  sorry  you  have  had  that  vessel  built." 
When  asked  for  his  reasons,  he  continued,  "I  have  known  the  man  who 
built  her  to  launch  more  than  twenty  schooners  during  the  past  few  years, 
and  none  of  them  ever  made  a  dollar  for  their  owners,  while  few  of  them 
have  lived  more  than  two  or  three  years,  being  either  wrecked  on  the  shore 
or  foundered  at  sea."  Strange  to  say,  that,  for  the  nineteen  months  the 
first  skipper  sailed  in  her,  "there  was  nae  luck  aboot  the  house."  This  was 
exceedingly  trying  to  one  who  had  previously  been  fortunate  and  who  felt 
a  pride  in  his  profession.  Finally,  becoming  disgusted  and  somewhat  dis- 
heartened by  his  ill  success  and  unrequited  labors,  he  sold  out  his  share  of 
the  vessel  and  left  her,  almost  convinced  that  what  had  been  told  him  by 
his  friend  was  not  very  far  from  the  truth. 

The  sad  sequel  remains  to  be  told.     The  schooner — not  yet  two  years 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  129 

old — was  lost  at  sea  on  her  next  voyage.  The  captain  and  two  of  the  crew 
were  drowned,  and  the  survivors,  after  enduring  much  suffering  while  lashed 
to  the  wreck,  were  finally  taken  off  and  returned  home  to  tell  the  particulars 
of  this  ill-fated  episode. 

From  the  day  she  first  sailed  out  of  Gloucester  harbor — looking  like  a 
yacht,  with  a  crowd  of  canvas  spread  to  the  breeze — to  the  time  she  lay 
a  helpless  and  dismantled  wreck  on  the  bosom  of  the  storm-swept  Atlantic, 
she  was  continually  meeting  with  ill  fortune. 

Quite  as  strange  tales,  nay,  even  more  marvellous  ones,  could  be  related 
of  the  good  or  ill  fortune  of  individuals,  and  the  varying  experiences  of  dif- 
ferent persons  often  form  the  topic  of  conversation  on  board  the  fishing 
vessels. 

Thank  goodness,  the  superstitious  belief  in  men  being  Jonahs  often  meets 
with  a  rebuff  so  severe  as  to  hinder  it  from  becoming  anything  like  a  gen- 
eral one  !  I  was  present  once  when  one  skipper  enquired  of  another — nod- 
ding his  head  at  the  same  time  in  the  direction  of  a  man  who  was  at  work 
on  the  vessel — "Are  you  going  to  carry  that  man?"  Receiving  an  affirm- 
ative reply,  he  continued,  "You  won't  get  any  fish  then;  he's  a  regular 
Jonah."  The  reply  was,  "Jonah,  or  no  Jonah,  he  goes  this  trip  anyway." 
As  the  trip  in  question  was  a  successful  one,  nothing  more  was  heard  about 
the  man  being  a  Jonah,  though,  to  tell  the  truth,  he  had  been  so  considered 
by  many  of  his  associates. 

Another  similar  instance  may  be  mentioned.  A  young  man  who  has 
sailed  from  Gloucester  several  years,  had,  for  a  while,  rather  hard  fortune, 
and  it  was  whispered  that  he  was  one  of  the  much-to-be-shunned  Jonahs. 
Nothing  else  could  be  said  against  him,  since  he  was  an  excellent  fisher- 
man, daring,  energetic,  and,  withal,  a  pleasant  shipmate.  "But,  he  is  a 
Jonah !"  the  credulous  exclaimed,  whenever  the  vessel  he  sailed  in  failed  to 
make  a  good  trip.  His  luck  changed,  however,  after  a  time,  and  thereafter 
those  who  previously  had  felt  much  opposed  to  being  shipmates  with  him 
were  glad  to  sail  in  the  same  vessel  that  he  did.  Meeting  with  him,  not 
long  ago,  I  was  pleased  to  learn  that  he  was  enjoying  better  fortune  than 
formerly.  In  reply  to  my  enquiries  as  to  his  present  success,  he  said  : 
"Wherever  I  have  been  this  year  I  have  been  lucky.  It  don't  make  any 
difference  now  what  vessel  I  go  in,  I  always  get  a  good  trip — the  fish  are 
sure  to  be  there"  One  can  readily  imagine  how  gratifying  such  a  change 
must  be  to  a  person  who  previously  had  met  with  undeserved  ill-fortune. 

But  it  often  happens  that  some  poor  fellow  has  a  "streak"  of  hard  luck 
really  astonishing,  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  it  is  not  wonderful  that,  after  a 
while,  his  acquaintances  come  to  have  superstitious  feelings  about  him.  It 
matters  not  how  much  he  may  change  from  vessel  to  vessel,  his  luck  follows 
him,  and,  the  strangest  of:  all  is  that  the  vessels  which  are  unfortunate  while 


i3o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

he  is  in  them,  meet  with  excellent  success  at  other  times.  All  old  fishermen 
can  tell  such  incidents.  I  knew  a  circumstance  of  this  kind  that  occurred  a 
few  years  ago : 

A  young  man,  engaged  in  the  haddock  fishery,  secured  a  berth  with  one  of 
the  smartest  skippers  who  sails  from  Gloucester.  But,  notwithstanding  the 
fact  that  every  possible  effort  was  put  forth,  poor  results  followed,  and  the 
months  of  November  and  December  wore  away,  the  crew  in  the  meantime 
not  sharing  more  than  $25  to  a  man.  Everybody  felt  discouraged.  At  this 
time,  however,  the  young  man  of  whom  I  am  speaking,  and  who,  it  was  said, 
was  one  of  the  unlucky  ones,  left  the  vessel  and  shipped  in  another.  On 
the  next  trip  the  vessel  he  had  left  shared  $20  from  only  two  days'  fishing, 
and  on  succeeding  trips  did  even  better  than  that,  making  an  excellent 
Winter's  work.  But  the  second  vessel  in  which  the  man  shipped  (though 
commanded  by  one  of  the  most  expert  skippers)  failed  to  get  a  share  of  fish 
after  he  joined  her,  and  the  same  result  was  met  with  by  this  unfortunate 
individual  in  a  third  vessel  which  he  joined  during  the  Winter.  The  myste- 
rious part  of  it  was  that  in  each  of  the  three  cases  the  vessels  which  met 
with  poor  success  while  he  was  in  them  did  much  better  than  an  average 
during  the  rest  of  the  season.  What  wonder  is  there  that,  in  the  light  of 
such  experiences,  fishermen  are  inclined  to  be  somewhat  superstitious  ? 

Some  fishermen  believe  that  a  valise,  when  carried  on  board  a  vessel,  is 
a  Jonah.  Probably  this  belief  is  largely  due  to  the  prejudice  felt  against 
carrying  such  an-unseamanlike  article  on  a  fishing  trip. 

Opinions  differ  as  to  whether  certain  other  things  are  Jonahs  or  not. 
Among  those  believed  to  be  such  by  a  few  persons  may  be  mentioned  vio- 
lins, checker-boards,  toy-boats,  a  bucket  sitting  on  deck  partly  full  of  water, 
soaking  mackerel  in  a  bucket,  etc.,  etc. 

The  accidents  and  actions  of  members  of  the  crew  that  are  supposed  to 
bring  ill  success,  or  to  be  forerunners  of  such,  are,  dropping  a  hatch  in  the 
hold,  turning  a  hatch  bottom  up,  breaking  a  looking-glass,  driving  nails  on 
Sunday,*  and  letting  the  splices  of  a  cable  stop  in  the  hawse-pipe  when  the 
vessel  is  anchoring  on  the  fishing  ground. 

As  to  other  beliefs,  it  may  be  said  that  all  fishermen  whistle  for  a  breeze 
when  it  is  calm,  and  some  occasionally  stick  ajcnife  in  the  after  side  of  the 
mainmast  to  bring  a  fair  wind.  A  bee,  or  a  small  land  bird  coming  on  board, 
it  is  supposed,  will  bring  good  luck,  while  ill  fortune  will  follow  the  lighting 
of  a  hawk,  owl,  or  crow  on  the  rigging  of  a  vessel.  It  is  believed  that  a 
smart  blow  on  the  head  of  a  fish  that  has  just  been  separated  from  the  body, 
will  kill  the  latter  which  still  retains  muscular  motion.     A  hook,  which  has 


*Some  of  the  skippers  make  a  practice  of  driving  nails  on  Sunday  if  they  have  need  to  do 
so.  This  is,  perhaps,  done  as  much  to  antagonize  the  belief  in  its  being  unlucky  as  for  any- 
thing else. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


r3i 


been  stuck  in  the  hand,  is  immediately  thrust  into  a  piece  of  pine  so  that  the 
wound  will  not  be  sore.  Just  how  and  why  the  blow  on  the  fish's  head 
should  have  any  effect  on  the  body  from  which  it  has  been  previously  torn, 
and  why  sticking  the  point  of  a  hook  into  a  piece  of  wood  should  make  any 
difference  in  the  healing  of  a  wound,  are  subjects  for  the  curiously  inclined 
to  investigate.  It  is,  perhaps,  hardly  necessary  to  mention  the  belief  in 
horseshoes  warding  off  witches,  etc.,  as  among  the  superstitions  peculiar  to 
fishermen,  since  the  belief  in  the  efficacy  of  these  objects  to  prevent  ill  for- 
tune is  now  seemingly  recognized  in  the  highest  society,  if  one  is  allowed  to 
judge  by  the  gilded  horseshoes  conspicuously  displayed  in  the  parlors  of  the 
fashionable. 

"  The  earth  has  bubbles,  as  the  water  has ;  and  these  are  of  them."— Shakespeare. 


The  above  engraving  gives  a  capital  view  of  the  old  Fort  and  Gloucester 
Harbor  in  1837.  The  Grand  Banker  and  pinkey  lying  at  anchor  look  as. 
natural  as  can  be.  There  is  a  vast  difference  in  the  appearance  of  the  old 
Fort  property  of  to-day  from  that  of  forty-five  years  agone.  Then  it  had  but 
one  building  besides  the  ruins  of  the  Fort — now  it  is  covered  with  dwellings 
and  storehouses,  and  its  entire  water  front  converted  into  fine  wharves> 
forming  one  of  the  most  valuable  pieces  of  property  in  the  city. 


I32 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Foreign  Commerce  of  Gloucester. 

Gloucester,  after  Boston,  has  more  foreign  arrivals  than  any  other  seaport 
in  Massachusetts !  While  Salem  and  Newburyport  have  hardly  a  square- 
rigged  vessel  arrive  in  their  harbors  for  a  year,  Gloucester  has  sometimes  a 
fleet  of  five  or  six  in  port  at  one  time.  Through  the  kindness  of  Collector 
Babson  we  are  enabled  to  give  the  following  statistics : 

For  the  year  ending  Dec.  31,  1881,  there  arrived  at  the  port  of  Glouces- 
ter, 1  ship,  18  barks,  2  brigs,  and  182  schooners  from  foreign  ports.  27 
ships,  barks,  brigs  and  schooners  arrived  from  Cadiz,  Trapani  and  other 
salt  ports.  Gloucester  has  become  almost  the  headquarters  for  the  salt  trade 
of  the  fisheries.  126  cargoes  of  lumber,  fish,  wood  and  potatoes  were  re- 
ceived at  this  port  last  year  from  Newfoundland,  Nova  Scotia,  New  Bruns- 
wick and  other  countries.  About  $200,000  worth  of  merchandise  was  im- 
ported, at  the  foreign  valuation,  worth  here  at  least  $400,000.  By  these 
figures  it  will  be  seen  that  besides  its  great  fishing  interests,  and  its  being 
the  great  Gentre  of  fish  distribution  for  the  United  States,  Gloucester  has 
quite  a  respectable  foreign  commerce.  Gloucester  owns  10,000  tons  more 
shipping  than  Salem,  Marblehead,  Beverly  and  Newburyport  combined. 
But  while  Gloucester  has  473  vessels,  not  one  square-rigged  vessel  is  owned 
here,  while  in  1828,  fifty-four  years  ago,  Gloucester  had  29  foreign  arrivals, 
and  collected  duties  on  goods  to  the  amount  of  $127,000,  with  one-quarter 
part  of  its  present  tonnage. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


i33 


Fishermen  Coming  into  Port, 

From  the  Home  of  the  Fish  to  the  Table  of  the  Consumer. 

It  is  a  lively  scene,  down  at  some  of  our  wharves  in  the  breezy  days  of 
midwinter,  to  witness  one  or  more  of  the  Bankers  or  Georgesmen  round  the 
Point  and  come  gayly  up  the  harbor.  Sometimes  they  are  minus  a  spar  or 
sail  and  are  all  battered  or  iced  up,  the  crew  having  had  a  hard  time  freeing 
the  bows  and  rigging  from  the  frozen  spray,  which  in  a  bitter  cold  day  hard- 
ens as  soon  as  it  strikes,  and  piles  itself  up  on  the  overburdened  craft  with 
amazing  quickness.  Then  the  safety  of  the  vessel  and  her  management 
through  the  cold,  seething  waters,  render  it  an  imperative  necessity  that  the 
ice  be  dislodged,  and  a  cold,  cheerless  task  it  is  which  the  fisherman  has 
forced  upon  him.  Short  spells  of  this  ice  pounding,  with  the  thermometer 
below  zero,  is  all  that  men  can  endure,  and  they  are  frequently  relieved,  all 
hands  taking  their  turn  and  making  the  best  of  an  unwelcome  duty.  But 
snug  in  the  harbor,  anchor  down,  sails  furled,  pipes  lighted,  with  the  catch 
sold,  the  crew  have  a  little  resting  spell.  Then  the  vessel  is  hauled  along- 
side the  wharf  of  some  of  the  fresh  fish  buyers,  the  hatches  opened,  and  out 
from  the  depths  below  are  hoisted  the  mammoth  halibut,  direct  from  the  ice 
house,  where  they  are  kept  as  sweet  and  fresh  as  when  first  caught.  Up 
they  come  in  pairs,  and  sometimes  in  triplets,  according  to  their  size,  and 
oftentimes  a  monster  weighing  two  hundred  pounds  and  upwards  will  show 
his  nose  above  deck  and  be  slowly  landed  on  the  wharf.  .  Visions  of  nice 
fried  or  baked  halibut  tickle  the  palate,  as  the  fish  are  thus  landed.  After 
their  heads  are  taken  off  and  the  fish  thoroughly  cleansed  and  packed  in 
boxes,  the  last  thing  done,  ere  they  are  nailed  up,  is  to  fill  their  napes  with 
crushed  ice,  which  insures  their  preservation,  and  off  they  are  shipped  by  rail 


i34  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

or  steamer  to  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Lowell  and  other  large  cities, 
where  they  find  ready  sales.  The  codfish  are  discharged  mostly  at  the 
wharves  of  the  vessel  owners,  where  they  are  decapitated  and  then  salted  in 
butts,  and  when  sufficiently  salt  are  transferred  to  the  flakes  for  a  given 
time  and  dried.  Then  they  find  their  way,  the  most  of  them,  in  these  days, 
to  the  skinning  lofts,  where  nimble  fingers  divest  them  of  skin  and  bones, 
and  the  solid  pieces  of  fish,  handsome  as  can  be,  are  packed  in  boxes  from 
ten  to  two  hundred  pounds  each,  which  find  their  way  from  the  warehouses 
of  our  enterprising  fish  producers  to  all  sections  of  this  country.  The  trade 
is  simply  immense,  and  constantly  on  the  increase,  for  the  praise  of  the 
Gloucester  boneless  cod  is  abroad  in  the  land,  and  dealers  and  consumers 
demand  it  from  headquarters,  direct  from  first  hands. 

Who  would  have  thought,  from  the  small  beginning  in  the  putting  up  of 
boneless  codfish,  of  only  a  few  years  since,  that  such  large  results  would 
follow  ?  And  now  that  fish  is  packed  in  such  clean,  attractive  packages,  the 
attention  of  consumers  is  drawn  toward  it.  The  old  objection  to  stripping 
and  cleaning,  and  purchasing  so  much  waste,  is  heard  no  more.  The  clean 
fish  ready  for  a  salt  fish  dinner  or  fish  balls,  is  now  for  sale  by  all  first-class 
grocers  in  the  country,  and  the  Gloucester  brands,  of  which  there  are  sev- 
eral hundred,  each  large  purchaser  having  his  private  brands,  are  printed 
indelibly  on  the  boxes.  Some  of  these  brands  are  very  handsome  and  add 
much  to  the  attractiveness  of  the  packages. 

The  first  man,  Mr.  George  H.  Smith,  we  think  it  was,  who  put  up  fish  in 
this  way,  never  dreamed  that  this  act  of  his  would  revolutionize  the  entire 
fish  trade,  but  so  it  has  proved !  The  old  fish  dealers,  conservative,  as  they 
had  a  right  to  be,  saw  not  the  cloud  which  was  rising,  but  kept  in  the  old 
channels  of  shipping  whole  fish,  until  their  customers  demanded  of  them 
the  boneless  fish  in  boxes.  And  then  they  gave  way  to  the  inevitable. 
There  was  no  help  for  it.  Either  adopt  the  new  mode  or  lose  the  business 
altogether.  And  they  entered  into  the  business  with  the  same  energy  which 
characterized  their  other  transactions,  and  we  have  to-day,  here  in  old 
Gloucester,  a  business  which  is  now  only  in  its  infancy,  a  business  which 
will  keep  the  fleet  busy,  which  will  take  all  the  fish  they  can  catch,  at  remu- 
nerative prices,  a  business  which  will  keep  Gloucester  in  the  front  as  a  fish- 
ing port  and  furnish  occupation  for  her  people. 

It's  lively  all  through,  from  the  time  the  vessel  leaves  the  harbor  until 
she  arrives  on  the  ground,  and  from  the  catching  of  the  fish  to  the  dressing, 
then  the  salting  and  drying,  boning  and  skinning,  shipping,  and  finally  the 
serving  up  of  the  toothsome  dish  on  the  table  with  drawn  butter  and  egg 
sauce,  or  the  good  old  fashioned  pork  scraps,  with  beets  and  potatoes. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


*35 


The  Kegatta. 


The  above  has  the  true  salt  water  flavor,  and  causes  the  blood  to  course 
through  the  veins  with  quickened  motion.  The  fleet  of  yachts  are  off  for 
the  race,  sailing  with  a  "start  sheet,"  each  one  doing  her  best  to  lead.  How 
they  fly  over  the  water,  which  is  not  very  rough,  although  there  seems  to  be 
a  pretty  decent  breeze  to  waft  them  along. 

It  is,  indeed,  a  pretty  sight,  and  the  yachtsman's  life  is  replete  with  pleas- 
ure as  he  cruises  along  the  coast  during  the  Summer  time,  coming  to  anchor 
in  the  harbors  and  rivers,  and  participating  in  all  the  pleasures  pertaining 
thereto.  There  is  a  deep  love  for  it  inherent  in  many  hearts.  To  such  the 
sea  has  attractions  of  which  they  never  tire.  Their  enjoyment  is  to  sail 
o'er  the  waters,  free  as  the  birds  of  the  air ;  to  inhale  the  sea  breeze  in  all 
its  freshness  and  health-giving  powers  j  to  join  with  others  in  the  exciting 
regatta ;  to  crowd  on  sail  and  rush  through  the  waters,  doing  their  best  to 
secure  the  prize  and  win  a  good  name  for  their  boat,  which  they  love  most 
intensely;  and  whose  good  points  they  strive  so  hard  to  bring  out  on  such 
occasions. 

"  A  wet  sheet  and  a  flowing  sea, 
A  wind  that  follows  fast, 
That  fills  the  white  and  rustling  sail, 
And  bends  the  gallant  mast." 


136  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


A  Night  in  Boston  Bay. 

BY  JACOB  S.  LORD. 

"Yes  I  we  had  a  rough  night,  you  may  believe,  Uncle  Moore ;" 
Thus  spoke  a  young  fisherman,  as  he  stepped  on  the  shore ; 

"We  ran  off  yesterday  noon  to  set  our  trawl, 
Thinking  to  be  home  long  ere  nightfall ; 
But  the  wind  struck  nor'west  and  did  heavily  blow, 
Accompanied  with  squalls  of  rain,  sleet  and  snow. 
We  three-reefed  our  mainsail,  expecting  a  hard  beat, 
From  our  jib  took  the  bonnet,  and  trimmed  down  the  sheet ; 
We  double-reefed  the  foresail  and  rolled  it  up  snug, 
Well  knowing  jib  and  mainsail  were  all  she  could  lug; 
The  dories  were  lashed  down,  secure  and  compact, 
Then  we  gave  her  a  good  full,  down  helm  and  tacked. 
Though  the  sea  was  running  heavy  she  did  not  misstay, 
And  soon  we  were  close  hauled,  standing  up  Boston  Bay. 
It  was  fast  growing  cold,  with  the  wind  still  increasing ; 
But  our  twenty-ton  boat  was  steadily  forereaching; 
Quite  fast  made  the  ice  from  spray  that  she'd  heave 
As  through  the  turbulent  waters  her  way  she  would  cleave. 
The  man  at  the  wheel,  and  the  lookout  as  well, 
Every  half  hour  were  given  a  spell ; 
For  those  who've  beat  up  in  a  Winter's  nor'west  breeze 
Know  full  well  how  quickly  the  helmsman  will  freeze. 
So  the  night  wore  away  till  past  four  o'clock, 
When  under  the  lee  we  made  Half-Way  Rock. 
The  water  now  smooth,  our  position  made  clear, 
We  gave  her  the  foresail — off  she  went  like  a  deer. 
For  Norman's  Woe  Rock  we  now  shaped  our  course, 
The  wind  being  more  westerly  and  lighter  in  force ; 
In  due  season  we  heard  the  deep  sullen  roar 
Of  the  seas  as  they  broke  on  the  Magnolia  shore ; 
A  few  minutes  later,  as  through  the  water  we  plough, 
The  rock  shows  itself  upon  the  port  bow. 
Our  hearts  were  made  light  as  out  of  danger  we  passed, 
At  least  for  the  present,  and  were  near  home  at  last. 
Passing  Ten  Pound  Island,  we  shoot  into  the  cove, 
And  down  goes  the  anchor  of  the  W.  H.  Gove. 
Right  proud  are  we  of  the  staunch  little  boat, 
Which  through  so  terrible  a  night  kept  us  safely  afloat. 
Let  those  who  eat  fish  and  growl  at  the  price, 
Take  a  trip  offshore,  shovel  snow  and  pound  ice ; 
One  good  shaking  up  in  old  Boston  Bay, 
And  they'll  ne'er  more  find  fault  with  fishermen's  pay." 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


137 


Truthful  and  Startling  Accounts 

Of  Tough  Times,  Narrow  Escapes,  Disasters,  Plucky  Doings,  Thrilling  Nar- 
ratives, Perilous  Positions,  and  Other  Noteworthy  Happenings  to  the  Fish- 
ermen While  in  Pursuit  of  Their  Calling. 

Lost  in  the  Fog. — Seven  Days  Adrift  in  a  Dory  on  Grand  Bank,  without 
Food. — Two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Marathon  of  this  port,  George  M.  Roberts 
of  Yarmouth,  N.  S.,  and  James  Austin  of  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  left  that  vessel 
on  Grand  Bank,  at  half-past  four  on  the  afternoon  of  Oct.  7,  1874,  to  visit 
their  trawls.  Soon  after,  it  commenced  to  breeze  up  and  a  thick  fog  shut 
in.  A  dory,  in  which  were  two  of  the  crew,  was  paid  out  from  the  vessel  to 
their  assistance,  but  the  warp  proved  too  short,  and  the  fog  became  so  thick 
.that  they  soon  lost  sight  of  each  other.  They  could  hear  the  shouts  of 
their  companions,  but  all  efforts  to  reach  them  proved  unavailing.  It  soon 
commenced  raining,  and  the  two  men  made  up  their  minds  to  do  the  best 
they  could  through  the  night,  in  hopes  to  find  their  vessel  in  the  morning. 


138  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Fortunately  there  were  three  trawl  tubs  on  board,  and  two  of  these  were 
made  fast  to  the  painter  of  the  dory,  and  did  most  excellent  service  as 
drogues,  keeping  her  head  to  the  sea.  The  night  passed  drearily,  and  they 
were  glad  enough  when  morning  dawned ;  but  the  fog  still  continued  to  en- 
velop them,  and  they  concluded  to  row  to  the  westward.  It  cleared  up 
occasionally,  but  they  saw  no  vessel,  and  night  came  on  again.  The  next 
clay  was  also  foggy,  and  they  laid  to  the  drogue  all  day,  drifting  to  the  east- 
ward. Took  watch  and  watch  this  night,  in  hopes  to  catch  a  glimpse  of 
some  light  from  a  passing  vessel,  but  their  hopes  were  disappointed.  It 
rained  during  the  night,  and  they  were  fortunate  enough  to  catch  a  good 
supply  of  water  in  their  remaining  tub ;  of  this  they  drank  sparingly,  and  it 
served  to  appease  the  fearful  pangs  of  thirst  and  hunger.  On  the  third  day 
they  rowed  to  the  northwest  in  hopes  to  get  into  the  track  of  the  steamers. 
The  fog  still  continued,  and  no  vessel  was  seen,  and  they  passed  another 
night  in  suspense.  The  men  were  by  this  time  getting  discouraged,  more 
especially  Mr.  Austin,  who  had  contracted  a  severe  cold  the  first  night  out, 
and  was  troubled  with  such  severe  shaking  of  his  limbs  that  he  could  not 
sleep.  The  morning  of  the  fourth  day  was  clear,  and  it  continued  moderate 
through  the  day.  This  gave  them  courage,  and  although  quite  weak,  they 
rowed  to  the  westward,  keeping  an  anxious  lookout  for  some  welcome  sail, 
and  doing  their  best  to  keep  up  each  other's  courage.  A  shark  came  along- 
side during  the  day,  and  they  endeavored  to  catch  him,  as  they  would 
gladly  have  partaken  of  anything  eatable,  but  were  unsuccessful.  When 
the  sun  went  down  that  night,  the  poor  fellows  felt  their  hearts  sink  within 
them,  and  they  thought  their  chances  of  being  picked  up  were  rather  slim. 
Roberts  was  enabled  to  pass  some  of  the  weary  hours  in  sleep,  but  this  boon, 
for  the  most  part,  was  denied  his  companion.  The  fifth  day  was  foggy,  and 
they  rowed  a  couple  of  hours,  but  felt  so  used  up  that  they  gave  up  pulling, 
and  another  dreary  night  dragged  its  slow  hours  along.  The  sixth  day  they 
let  the  dory  drift.  Saw  the  sun  once  or  twice,  but  no  signs  of  any  vessel  ; 
and  the  night  shut  down  again,  bringing  sad  forebodings.  The  seventh 
day  was  foggy,  yet,  strange  to  say,  their  courage  again  revived.  They  had 
drank  sparingly  of  the  water,  and  it  seemed  to  satisfy  the  hungry  feeling  to 
a  great  extent,  and  rowing  some  three  miles  to  the  northward,  they  put  the 
tubs  out  and  let  the  dory  drift. 

Their  longings  to  be  rescued  from  that  open  boat  can  be  imagined  but 
not  described.  The  sun  went  down  for  the  eighth  time,  and  still  no  signs 
of  relief.  They  watched  eagerly  through  the  early  evening  hours,  and  knew 
full  well  they  could  not  hold  out  a  great  while  longer.  They  talked  of  their 
chances  as  men  will  talk  when  in  the  face  of  a  common  danger,  and  both 
were  of  opinion  that  they  could  not  survive  another  twenty-four  hours. 
They  then  lay  down,  and  both  men,  in  the  silent  depths  of  their  hearts, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  139 

prayed  most  fervently  that  they  might  be  picked  up  before  morning.  Soon 
after,  Roberts  thought  he  heard  the  noise  of  a  steamer,  and  raised  his  head 
above  the  side  of  the  dory.  Joy  unspeakable  !  there  were  a  steamer's  lights 
not  fifty  yards  distant.  The  dory  had  been  seen  from  her  deck,  and  the 
shouts  of  the  men  were  soon  answered.  Roberts  was  enabled  to  get  on 
board  without  help,  but  it  required  the  assistance  of  two  of  the  steamer's 
crew  to  get  Austin  on  board.  It  proved  to  be  the  ocean  steamer  Greece, 
and  the  men  were  kindly  cared  for  by  her  captain  and  officers,  and  by  care- 
ful nursing  were  well  nigh  recovered  upon  her  arrival  in  New  York.  Upon 
leaving  the  steamer  the  men  were  presented  with  twenty  dollars  each,  a  gift 
from  her  officers  and  passengers. 

A  very  singular  circumstance  connected  with  this  affair  is,  that  at  nine 
o'clock  that  evening  the  Captain  of  the  steamer  altered  his  course  half  a 
point  to  the  northward.  If  he  had  not  done  so,  he  would  have  gone  so  far 
to  the  southward  as  not  to  have  seen  the  dory,  and  in  all  probability  the 
two  men  would  have  perished.  A  kind  Providence  had  ordered  it  other- 
wise, their  prayers  were  heard,  and  from  the  dangers  which  surrounded 
them  they  were  returned  to  their  friends. 

Remarkable  Circumstances. — In  July,  1873,  John  Como,  one  of  the 
crew  of  sch.  Magic  of  this  port,  caught  a  small  halibut  on  the  Bank,  on 
which  he  took  a  notion  to  cut  his  initials,  and  threw  the  fish  overboard,  not 
expecting  to  see  him  again.  In  1874  he  shipped  in  sch.  Mary  E.  Daniels, 
and  while  hauling  his  trawl  on  Grand  Bank,  discovered,  to  his  great  sur- 
prise, the  identical  halibut  he  had  marked  some  eight  months  before.  The 
halibut  was  on  exhibition  at  the  wharf  of  the  New  England  Fish  Company. 
The  initials  were  plainly  discernible,  although  the  fish  had  grown  consider- 
ably since  they  were  cut.  This  is  no  fish  story,  but  a  veritable  fact,  and 
the  circumstance  is  certainly  a  most  remarkable  one. 

Among  the  halibut  landed  by  sch.  Chester  R.  Lawrence,  in  May,  1875,  was 
one  with  the  name  "Lynch"  cut  thereon.  The  halibut  had  grown  consid- 
erably since  the  carving  operation,  which  from  the  appearance  of  the  scars 
had  been  done  about  a  year.  The  letters  were  some  six  inches  in  length 
and  very  clearly  defined. 

In  February,  1876,  while  dressing  fish  at  the  Gloucester  Fish  Company's 
wharf,  a  plain  gold  ring  was  taken  from  the  paunch  of  a  codfish.  It  was 
brought  to  the  "Cape  Ann  Advertiser"  sanctum  by  Mr.  William  E.  Ansell, 
and  had  the  appearance  of  having  been  in  the  keeping  of  the  fish  for  some 
time.  The  mark  18  K,  signifying  the  quality  of  the  gold,  was  plainly  dis- 
cernible on  the  inside  of  the  ring.  The  query  is,  how  came  the  fish  in  pos- 
session of  it,  and  who  was  the  owner  ? 

In  March,  1877,  George  Harvey,  one  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Rebecca  Bartlett 


140  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

of  this  port,  on  her  trip  to  Georges,  hauled  up  a  codfish,  which  upon  being 
dressed,  there  was  found  in  the  paunch  a  wallet  in  a  fair  state  of  preserva- 
tion. Unfortunately  for  the  fisherman,  there  was  no  money  in  it ;  but  there 
was  an  old  letter  and  a  horse-car  ticket.  The  writing  on  the  letter  was  so 
badly  obliterated  that  it  could  not  be  read,  therefore  no  clue  as  to  the  owner 
of  the  wallet  could  be  obtained. 

In  January,  1880,  sch.  Bessie  W.  Somes,  Capt.  Hodgdon,  from  the  Banks, 
brought  in  a  twenty-pound  halibut,  in  the  skin  of  which  were  plainly  visible 
the  initials  and  date,  "W.  E.  McD.,  1877."  It  is  supposed  that  when  a 
young  fellow  he  visited  the  sch.  William  E.  McDonald,  and  was  set  at  lib- 
erty bearing  the  above  inscription. 

Getting  a  Trip  Under  Difficulties. — Sch.  Knight  Templar,  Capt. 
Michael  McDonald,  which  arrived  from  Grand  Bank  Feb.  20,  1874,  had  a 
tough  time  of  it ;  but  the  plucky  captain  was  determined  to  get  a  trip,  and 
he  did  so,  bringing  in  40,000  pounds  of  halibut,  which  stocked  $4,000.  He 
left  port  Jan.  10  and  arrived  on  Western  Bank  the  13th,  where  they  encoun- 
tered a  severe  gale  and  broke  the  main-boom.  Finding  fish  scarce,  he  de- 
termined to  go  to  the  Grand  Bank.  Most  of  the  crew  didn't  relish  sailing 
a  thousand  miles  from  home  with  a  broken  main-boom  ;  but  the  captain  was 
inflexible,  and  they  started  with  a  ten-knot  breeze,  under  a  foresail  only. 
On  the  passage  the  foresail  jibed  over,  breaking  the  gaff.  Arriving  on  the 
Bank  the  20th,  they  set  their  trawls.  A  severe  gale  came  on  in  the  night, 
when  the  vessel  shipped  a  sea  and  smashed  all  the  dories.  This  was  another 
stroke  of  ill  luck,  as  what  was  the  use  of  the  trawls  without  any  dories  in 
which  to  get  them  ?  Capt.  McDonald,  however,  was  not  the  man  to  be  dis- 
heartened. He  had  come  for  a  trip  of  fish,  and  a  trip  he  was  going  to 
have,  if  within  the  power  of  mortal  man  to  get  it.  Taking  the  remains  of 
one  of  the  dories  he  used  it  to  repair  the  others.  Unfortunately  he  had  no 
nails  suitable  for  the  work  ;  but  this  difficulty  was  obviated  by  heating  some 
board  nails,  thereby  rendering  them  pliable.  It  blew  a  living  gale  of  wind 
most  of  the  time ;  but  during  the  lulls  of  fifteen  days  there  were  opportuni- 
ties to  set  the  trawls  several  times,  and  this  gave  him  his  trip. 

After  hauling  up  the  anchors  to  start  for  home,  having  no  immediate  use 
for  the  stocks,  he  sawed  them  in  two,  using  them  to  "fish"  the  main-boom, 
and  was  thus  enabled  to  carry  the  mainsail  when  needed.  On  the  10th  of 
February,  while  off  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence,  just  to  the  eastward  of  Sable 
Island,  they  were  struck  by  a  hurricane,  shipping  a  sea,  which  again  smashed 
the  dories  and  threatened  to  swamp  the  vessel ;  but  she  came  out  of  it 
handsomely  and  brought  her  plucky  captain  and  crew  safe  to  port. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  141 

A  Plucky  Little  Captain  Gets  Fifteen  Hundred  Dollars  Sal- 
vage ! — On  the  afternoon  of  June  12,  1875,  sch.  Addison  Center  was  run 
down  while  at  anchor  on  Cashes,  during  a  thick  fog,  by  brig  Sarah  M.  Lor- 
ing  of  Yarmouth,  N.  S.  She  struck  her  with  great  force,  pressing  her  under 
water,  and  the  crew  naturally  supposing  that  she  was  sinking,  lost  no  time 
in  getting  on  board  the  brig,  and  were  carried  into  Portland.  She  was 
boarded  by  a  number  of  vessels,  the  masters  of  which  considered  it  impos- 
sible to  get  her  into  port.  And  they  were  not  to  blame  for  so  thinking,  as 
she  had  a  big  hole  in  her  stern,  through  which  the  water  was  making  rap- 
idly, and  it  was  apparent  that  she  would  soon  go  down. 

On  Monday,  14th  inst,  she  was  sighted  by  Capt.  George  Whitmore  of 
sch.  Ellen  of  Ellsworth,  Me.,  bound  for  Boston.  He  had  as  crew  two  boys 
only.  Letting  his  own  vessel  drift,  they  boarded  the  Center  in  their  boat, 
and  he  conceived  the  idea  of  saving  her.  It  was  then  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  and  he  immediately  commenced  operations.  Cutting  a  large 
piece  of  duck  out  of  the  mainsail,  he  contrived,  by  dint  of  much  ingenuity,  to 
nail  it  over  the  hole.  To  do  this  required  considerable  exertion,  especially 
the  nailing  under  water ;  but  he  stuck  to  the  job  with  a  tenacity  which  knew 
no  such  word  as  fail,  and  after  several  hours  of  unremitting  exertion,  which 
will  be  understood  by  any  one  knowing  the  nature  of  such  a  task,  he  had 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  it  accomplished.  Getting  sail  on  her,  he  went  on 
board  his  own  vessel  and  gave  instructions  to  the  two  lads  how  to  run  for 
Portland,  and  then  returned  alone  to  the  Center.  Giving  the  vessel  a  heel, 
so  as  to  relieve  the  damaged  part  as  much  as  possible,  he  cut  the  cable  and 
shaped  his  course  for  Portland,  followed  by  the  Ellen.  A  fine  little  breeze 
sprang  up,  and  the  water  in  the  vessel  rushing  forward  brought  the  stern 
out  of  the  water,  which  effectually  prevented  her  taking  in  any  more.  This 
operated  much  in  his  favor,  as  she  was  then  two-thirds  full  of  water,  and 
unless  the  leak  had  been  stopped,  she  would  have  kept  afloat  but  a  short 
time  longer.     He  ran  all  night,  and  reached  port  Wednesday  noon. 

Mr.  Horatio  Babson,  one  of  the  owners  of  the  Center,  upon  hearing  of  her 
arrival,  immediately  went  to  Portland,  and  at  once  acceded  to  Capt.  Whit- 
more's  demand  of  $1,500  salvage,  in  behalf  of  the  Gloucester  Fishing  Insur- 
ance Company  of  this  city,  and  the  Naumkeag  office  of  Salem,  at  which 
the  vessel  was  insured.     It  was  a  plucky  job  throughout. 

Mysterious  Loss  of  Two  of  the  Crew  of  Sch.  Frederic  Gerring, 
Jr. — Two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Frederic  Gerring,  Jr. — Capt.  Edward  Morris — 
William  Norton  and  Albert  Sulkey,  left  the  vessel  in  their  dory  on  the  af- 
ternoon of  Monday,  Feb.  28,  1876,  for  the  purpose  of  hauling  their  trawls. 
It  was  very  moderate  at  the  time,  and  others  of  the  crew  also  left  in  dories 
for  the  same  purpose.     After  they  had  been  absent  some  twenty  minutes, 


1 42  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Capt.  Morris,  as  is  his  custom,  keeping  watch  of  the  dories,  saw  that  the 
one  in  which  Norton  and  Sulkey  were  seemed  to  be  drifting,  without  any 
effort  being  made  to  reach  the  buoy,  whither  she  was  bound.  Soon  he  saw 
one  of  the  other  dories  pulling  for  her  with  all  speed,  and  then  he  supposed 
that  something  was  wrong.  The  other  dory  in  due  time  reached  the  vessel, 
having  in  tow  the  drifting  dory,  and  reported  they  had  found  her  adrift  and 
neither  of  the  men  were  on  board.  The  trawl  gear  was  in  the  dory  the 
same  as  when  they  started,  she  had  shipped  no  water,  and  the  cause  of  the 
drowning  of  the  men  was  a  mystery  which  could  not  be  solved.  One  pair 
of  oars  was  picked  up  in  the  water.  This  indeed  is  a  very  mysterious  af- 
fair and  without  precedent,  and  no  theory  has  ever  yet  been  offered  which 
throws  any  light  thereon.  They  were  both  good  friends,  and  were  spoken 
of  as  first-class  fishermen,  Norton  having  been  with  Capt.  Morris  for  four 
years.  There  was  no  squall  to  throw  them  out  of  the  dory.  The  only  sup- 
position which  has  any  feasibility  is,  that  one  of  them  accidentally  fell  over- 
board, and  the  other  in  attempting  to  save  him  lost  his  life,  both  going  down 
together.  They  were  both  married  men,  about  thirty  years  of  age,  and  res- 
idents of  this  city. 

Twenty-four  Days  in  the  Ice. — Schs.  Hereward,  Pennington,  and  Rat- 
tler, McPherson,  which  left  this  port  for  Newfoundland  for  a  load  of  frozen 
herring  in  December,  1875,  got  frozen  in  while  on  the  homeward  passage, 
Feb.  9,  1876,  in  Fortune  Bay,  and  there  remained  eleven  days.  Got  clear 
the  19th  and  went  into  the  ice  again  the  same  day  and  remained  there  until 
March  3.  Schs.  S.  C.  Noyes,  Hatfield,  of  Newburyport,  and  Charles  A. 
Ropes  of  Camden,  Me.,  were  also  in  the  same  predicament.  Capt.  Penning- 
ton made  a  drawing  of  the  scene,  in  which  the  four  vessels  are  visible  locked 
in  the  ice,  and  the  crews  of  the  Hereward  and  Rattler  busily  engaged  in 
getting  some  provisions  from  the  S.  C.  Noyes,  which  lay  at  a  distance  of 
three  miles.  The  ice  was  so  rough  that  they  were  obliged  to  carry  the  flour 
in  bags,  and  the  men  with  these  bags  on  their  backs,  and  the  captain  with 
the  empty  barrel  to  put  it  in  when  it  reached  the  vessel,  made  a  lively  scene. 
It  was  a  tedious  experience  for  all  hands,  and  glad  enough  were  they  to  get 
clear  of  their  icy  bonds.  Fortunate  it  was  that  the  Noyes  could  supply  them 
with  flour,  otherwise  the  men  would  have  suffered  for  this  necessary  of  life. 

Men  Picked  Up. — A  Tough  Time  of  It. — Sch.  Cornelius  Stokem,  which 
arrived  at  this  port  May  23,  1876,  from  Newfoundland,  brought  in  two 
Frenchmen,  John  Bouche  and  Adolph  Crochu,  who  were  picked  up  in  a 
dory  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  on  the  16th  inst.  They  were  lost  from 
their  vessel  on  Banquereau  while  attending  their  trawls,  and  exposed  to  a 
violent  gale,  the  sea  breaking  over  them  and  the  weather  being  very  cold, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  143 

enveloping  them  in  ice.  For  seven  days  they  were  exposed  to  the  severity 
of  the  weather,  without  food  or  drink,  and  when  taken  off  were  both  in  an 
exhausted  condition  and  near  the  gates  of  death  from  hunger  and  exposure. 
One  of  the  men  was  badly  frozen,  but  both  recovered  from  the  effects  of 
their  exposure. 

Lost  in  the  Fog. — Eight  Days  without  Food  or  Water. — During  the 
years  1875  and  1876  there  were  numerous  cases  of  fishermen  getting  sepa- 
rated from  their  vessels  in  consequence  of  thick  fog  setting  in  while  at  their 
trawls,  most  of  whom  were  picked  up  within  a  day  or  two,  before  they  had 
suffered  greatly  from  hunger  or  thirst.  In  one  instance  two  men  were  out 
six  days  before  they  were  rescued,  Patrick  O'Neil  and  Frank  Miller  of  sch. 
Tubal  Cain  of  this  port,  in  October,  1875  ;  but  never  have  we  recorded  an 
instance  where  men  have  been  eight  days  without  food  or  water,  as  was  the 
case  of  Capt.  William  Hines  and  John  Foster,  of  sch.  Eben  B.  Phillips  of 
this  port,  the  particulars  of  which  are  as  follows : 

On  the  1 8th  of  May,  1876,  the  two  men  left  their  vessel  on  Grand  Bank 
early  in  the  morning,  to  haul  their  trawl.  It  was  not  very  thick  at  the  time, 
but  shortly  after  a  dense  fog  shut  in,  and  they  were  unable  to  find  their  way 
back.  They  drifted  around  all  that  day  and  night,  occasionally  rowing  a 
little,  but  did  not  succeed  in  finding  any  traces  of  the  schooner.  On  the 
following  day  the  fog  continued  as  thick  as  ever,  and  Capt.  Hines  thinking 
the  vessel  might  be  found  by  steering  in  a  westerly  course,  headed  their  dory 
in  that  direction  j  but  instead  of  going  toward  land  they  only  got  farther 
out  to  sea.  For  seven  days  and  nights  they  continued  to  drift  and  row  at 
intervals,  the  fog  continuing  very  dense.  Their  sufferings  for  want  of  food 
and  drink  were  most  excruciating,  and  being  thinly  clothed  they  suffered 
considerably  from  the  chilly  wind  which  swept  over  them  most  of  the  time. 
On  the  morning  of  the  eighth  day  the  fog  lifted,  and  much  to  the  joy  of  the 
famishing  men,  who  had  now  scarcely  strength  to  move,  they  discovered  a 
bark  in  the  distance.  Both  were  so  weak  that  they  could  hardly  do  any- 
thing to  attract  attention  except  by  rapping  on  the  gunwale  of  the  dory. 
Knowing  that  it  was  their  last  hope  of  safety,  they  roused  themselves  to 
renewed  effort,  took  to  their  oars,  and  after  rowing  a  couple  of  hours,  were 
discovered  by  those  on  board  the  bark,  which  hove  to,  and  about  half-past 
eleven  that  night  they  came  up  with  her.  She  proved  to  be  the  Norwegian 
bark  Collector,  Capt.  Holstein,  bound  for  the  Provinces.  Capt.  Hines  was 
able  to  get  on  board  the  vessel  without  assistance,  but  Foster  was  perfectly 
helpless  and  had  to  be  lifted  on  board.  They  received  the  kindest  treat- 
ment from  the  captain  and  crew,  and  by  careful  nursing  soon  began  to  re- 
cuperate. They  had  drifted  one  hundred  and  sixty  miles  from  the  Bank 
when  rescued.     The  bark  arrived  at  Dalhousie  on  the  the  5th  of  June,  and 


144 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


on  the  following  day  the  men  were  taken  ashore  and  sent  to  St.  John  by  the 
Norwegian  consul  at  that  place,  he  kindly  paying  their  expenses.  After 
stopping  in  St.  John  a  few  days  with  some  of  their  friends,  they  were  pro- 
vided with  free  passes  for  Boston  and  arrived  home  in  due  season ;  and  in 
time  both  men  recovered  from  the  terrible  effects  of  their  protracted  expos- 
ure, which  came  so  near  causing  them  to  die  of  starvation  on  the  water — a 
fate  which  one  fairly  shudders  to  contemplate. 


e^Te„ 


Terrible  Disaster. — Loss  of  Sch.  Kittie  of  Port  Mulgrave,  N  S.,  with 
Sixty- three  Passengers  Bound  to  This  City  to  Engage  in  the  Fisheries — Narrow 
Escape  of  Three  Persons  Who  Were  an  Hour  Late. — Sch.  Kittie,  commanded 
by  Capt.  James  Forrestall,  her  owner,  left  Port  Mulgrave  Sunday,  April  .2, 
1876,  bound  for  Boston,  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  she  foundered  in  the 
severe  gale  of  the  4th  inst.,  carrying  with  her  sixty-three  persons  belonging 
in  Port  Mulgrave  and  vicinity,  but  who  were  identified  with  Gloucester,  as 
they  followed  fishing  from  this  port  during  six  months  of  the  year,  and  had 
many  relatives  and  friends  in  this  city  who  were  anxiously  expecting  their 
arrival.  The  following  is  the  list  of  the  passengers,  as  nearly  as  could  be 
obtained : 

From  Harbor  Bouche — John  Levangy,  Hubert  Levangy,  Edward  Decost, 
Frederick  Levangy,  Ben.  Fougere,  Michael  Pebrine,  Henry  Benoit,  John 
Paro,  Jerry  Fougere,  Lucian  Levangy,  E.  Fougere,  (Jack's  son)  John  King, 
(Pete's  son)  L.  Fougere,  Edward  Decost,  (Widow  Tom's  son)  Jos.  Decost, 
David  Levangy,  Ned  Bouchy,  Ben.  Brean,  Ben.  Belfountain,  Lewis  Bouchy, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  145 

Jeffrey  Bouchy,  Michael  Oldfield,  Wm.  Oldfield,  Fougere,  (Ephraim's  son), 
Daniel  McDonald  (Allan's  son),  Mrs.  John  O'Brien  and  three  children,  Sa- 
rah McDonald,  (Allan's  daughter)  Augusta  Fougere,  John  McDonald  (Allan 
John's  son),  Rory  McDonald  (Donald's  son,  lighthouse),  Wm.  Forrestall 
(William's  son). 

From  Steep  Creek — Martin  Doyle,  N.  Decost,  Jos.  Decost,  Wm.  Critten- 
den, (Hugh's  son)  John  D.  Whelan. 

From  Pirate  Harbor — William  Maguire. 

From  Port  Mulgrave — Wm.  Crittenden,  Edward  Ryan,  Rory  McDonald, 
George  Longuill,  James  Perkins,  Alex.  Perkins,  J.  O'Handley,  Peter  For- 
estall, Arch.  McDonald. 

From  Cape  Breton — Roderick  McDonald,  McMillan's  Point;  John  Mc- 
Eachren,  Glendale ;  John  McDonald,  do.;  Daniel  McDonald,  McMillan's 
Point ;  James  McDonald,  Whycocomagh  ;  John  O'Handley,  Judique  ;  Alex. 
McDonald,  do. ;  Rupert  G.  Ross,  Port  Hood  ;  Wm.  Johnson,  do.;  Alex. 
Mclnnis,  near  Hawkesbury;  John  Cass,  do.;  John  McDonald,  Keeper,  Ju- 
dique ;  John  D.  McKinnon,  do.;  Daniel  McEachren,  Judique  ;  Henry  Simp- 
son, Manchester. 

The  crew  consisted  of  Capt.  James  Forrestall,  Capt.  John  Martin,  James 
Martin,  Daniel  McDonald. 

The  sch.  Kittie  was  built  in  Lunenberg,  and  was  owned  by  Capt.  James 
Forrestall  of  Auld's  Cove,  Strait  of  Canso,  and  was  about  ten  years  old. 
The  above  list  is  as  correct  as  can  possibly  be  got ;  there  may  be  one  or 
two  that  have  not  been  obtained.  The  total,  including  passengers  and 
crew,  was  sixty-eight. 

There  were  three  persons,  viz.,  William  McDonald  and  Neil  McDonald, 
brothers,  and  Angus  McDonald,  who  were  coming  on  this  vessel,  but  were 
an  hour  late,  the  vessel  having  sailed.  All  their  clothing  was  on  board,  and 
they  came  by  land.  Their  being  behindhand  on  this  occasion  was  the 
means  of  preserving  their  lives. 

A  Remarkable  Experience  and  Narrow  Escape. — The  crew  of  the 
sch.  Daniel  A.  Burnham  of  this  port,  had  "a  singular  and  wonderful  experi- 
ence. While  lying  to  off  Sable  Island  on  the  evening  of  Jan.  10,  1877,  the 
schooner  was  struck  by  a  heavy  sea,  which  turned  her  completely  over,  the 
masts  giving  way  while  she  was  under  water.  Of  her  crew  of  thirteen  men 
all  but  one  were  below  when  the  vessel  capsized;  and  the  rapidity  of  the 
entire  transaction,  which  did  not  allow  time  for  the  vessel  to  fill,  proved 
their  salvation.  They  were  thrown  from  the  floor  to  the  ceiling,  when  the 
schooner  was  bottom  up,  and  immediately  to  the  floor  again,  as  she  righted. 
On  coming  on  deck,  the  man  who  had  been  on  the  lookout  was  found  hang- 
ing over  the  side  by  a  portion  of  the  gear,  and  was  speedily  hauled  on 


146  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

board.  The  crew  remained  on  the  wreck,  on  which  they  got  some  small 
canvas,  and  were  heading  for  the  land  as  best  they  could,  when  fortunately 
they  encountered  the  mail  steamer  Austrian,  who  took  them  off  and  landed 
them  at  St.  Johns,  N.  F. 

Narrow  Escape. — Two  Fishermen  Capsized  in  a  Dory — Caught  by  a 
Trawl  Hook — Fortunate  Rescue. — Two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Centennial,  Peter 
Scanlan  and  George  Stickling,  were  capsized  in  a  dory  on  the  fishing  grounds, 
May  21,  1877,  and  had  a  narrow  escape  from  a  watery  grave.  They  had 
completed  the  hauling  of  their  trawls  and  were  ready  to  return  to  the  vessel, 
when  a  sea  boarded  and  sunk  the  dory,  but  she  soon  capsized  and  came  up 
again,  and  the  men  succeeded  in  getting  hold  of  her,  Scanlan  at  the  bow 
and  Stickling  at  the  stern.  In  going  over,  the  hook  of  one  of  the  trawls 
caught  in  the  leg  of  Stickling,  and  he  was  compelled  to  bear  his  own  weight 
and  that  of  the  trawl,  which  he  was  enabled  to  do  by  fortunately  securing  a 
foothold  in  the  stern  becket  of  the  dory.  But  the  combined  weight  of  man 
and  line  kept  the  unfortunate  man  nearly  under  water  the  greater  part  of 
the  time,  and  his  position  was  one  of  extreme  discomfort  and  peril.  Scan- 
lan was  more  fortunately  situated,  having  no  encumbrance  exept  his  cloth- 
ing, and  the  forward  part  of  the  frail  craft  was  kept  well  out  of  water  by 
the  weight  at  the  stern  ;  yet  his  position  was  far  from  enviable,  clinging  to 
an  overturned  dory  upon  a  wide  expanse  of  surging  waters.  After  being 
thus  exposed  for  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  they  were  discovered  by  the 
men  in  another  dory,  who  were  returning  to  the  vessel,  who  at  once  went  to 
their  rescue.  Stickling  was  nearly  exhausted,  and  in  pulling  him  in,  the 
hook  was  broken  off  in  his  leg,  and  on  reaching  the  vessel  it  was  found  nec- 
essary to  cut  it  out,  making  an  ugly  wound.  He  must  have  been  possessed 
of  remarkable  powers  of  endurance  to  maintain  the  position  until  assistance 
arrived,  and  his  escape  from  death  may  well  be  considered  as  very  narrow. 

A  Six  Ton  Boat  Drags  Her  Anchor  off  Salt  Island,  and  Her 
Crew  to  Keep  Afloat  Pound  Ice  All  Night. — A  Tough  Time  and  Nar- 
row Escape. — Jan.  23,  1878,  will  be  remembered  by  a  terrible  squall,  quickly 
followed  by  intense  cold  and  a  heavy  northwest  gale.  Just  previous  to  the 
squall,  the  little  boat  Hope  of  this  port,  a  trifle  short  of  six  tons  burthen,  was 
to  the  southward  of  Brown's  Bank,  some  eight  miles  off  the  Cape.  She  was 
commanded  by  Capt.  Anthony  T.  Francis,  and  there  was  a  crew  of  two 
men,  John  Conley  and  Joseph  Adams,  making  three  in  all.  The  men  had 
just  been  picking  their  trawls  and  had  a  dory  load  of  fish  and  trawl  lines, 
and  seeing  the  squall  coming,  made  all  possible  haste  to  get  on  board  the 
boat.  This  they  succeeded  in  doing  just  in  time ;  but  it  was  so  rough  that 
the  dory  collided  with  the  boat,  knocking  off  a  piece  of  her  rail,  and  came 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  147 

near  staving  a  hole  through  her.  Finding  they  could  not  tow  the  heavily 
laden  dory,  they  were  obliged  to  cut  her  adrift  and  she  soon  capsized,  and 
dory  and  contents  proved  a  total  loss.  The  squall  had  by  this  time  come 
upon  them  in  all  its  fury ;  but  the  little  craft  behaved  well,  and  they  got 
her  up  under  the  lee  of  Salt  Island  and  came  to  anchor  j  but  the  anchor 
would  not  hold  and  commenced  dragging,  carrying  them  off  to  sea.  After 
dragging  some  four  miles  it  finally  held  j  but  it  was  so  rough,  and  the  wind 
ahead,  that  they  dared  not  attempt  to  get  underway,  so  they  hung  to  it,  de- 
termined to  take  their  chances.  The  cold  was  so  intense  that  the  water 
shipped  on  deck  froze  almost  as  soon  as  it  struck,  threatening  to  sink  the 
little  craft,  and  this  danger  was  most  to  be  dreaded.  When  men's  lives  are 
in  the  balance,  however,  they  will  accomplish  almost  incredible  tasks,  and 
so  it  proved  in  the  case  of  these  poor  fellows.  Notwithstanding  the  cold 
winds,  which  pierced  them  like  a  knife,  notwithstanding  the  showers  of  freez- 
ing cold  spray  which  constantly  broke  over  them,  there  they  stood  at  their 
posts,  beating  ice  the  livelong  night — a  night  which  none  of  them  will  ever 
forget — and  by  their  almost  superhuman  efforts  they  kept  their  little  craft 
afloat,  and  the  next  afternoon  brought  her  safely  into  port. 

A  Perilous  Time. — Friday  afternoon,  Jan.  4,  1878,  two  young  men  of 
Riverdale  named  George  Stanwood,  Jr.,  and  Fred  A.  Lewis,  went  out  fish- 
ing in  Ipswich  Bay  in  a  dory,  and  at  noon  time,  just  before  the  storm  came 
on,  started  to  pull  in.  The  snowstorm  came  down  upon  them  so  thick  that 
they  could  not  see,  and  to  their  best  judgment  they  pulled  for  Annisquam 
light.  It  was  a  tough  pull,  and  to  add  to  their  perils  their  dory  sprang 
aleak,  requiring  the  utmost  exertions  of  one  of  the  men  to  keep  her  free 
with  a  bucket,  while  the  other  pulled.  Thus  passed  the  afternoon  until  five 
o'clock,  when  the  dory  drove  ashore  on  Coffin's  Beach,  just  this  side  of  the 
Loaf,  where  she  was  dashed  in  pieces,  the  men,  wet  and  well  nigh  exhausted, 
succeeding  in  making  a  landing  through  the  surf.  They  then  dragged 
themselves  along  as  best  they  could  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Gardner  W.  Her- 
rick,  where  they  were  kindly  received,  their  wants  attended  to,  and  hospita- 
bly entertained  for  the  night.  In  the  meantime  their  friends  at  home  were 
fearful  that  they  were  lost.  This  anxiety  was  dispelled  in  the  morning  when 
a  messenger  was  dispatched,  assuring  the  anxious  friends  of  their  safety. 

Loss  of  a  Boston  Fishing  Schooner. — Sch.  Little  Kate  of  South  Bos- 
ton, 32.69  tons,  formerly  of  this  port,  engaged  in  the  haddock  fishery,  went 
ashore  off  Duxbury  in  the  gale  of  Thursday,  Jan.  10,  1878,  and  became  a 
total  loss.  Of  her  crew  of  thirteen  men  not  one  escaped.  All  were  resi- 
dents of  South  Boston,  all  related  by  blood  or  marriage,  four  being  brothers. 
Seven  of  them  were  married,  leaving  that  number  of  widows  and  twenty-one 


148 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


fatherless  children  as  the  fruits  of  this  sad  disaster.  The  father  of  the  four 
brothers  mentioned,  an  aged  man  named  Owen  Hines,  was  indeed  terribly 
afflicted.  His  wife  died  five  weeks  previous,  and  only  one  crippled  son  was 
left  him  of  a  family  which  a  few  days  before  was  full  of  health  and  promise. 
The  vessel,  too,  was  his,  and  all  the  property  he  possessed  was  bound  up  in 
her.  A  short  time  previous  he  was  offered  $1,500  for  the  schooner,  but  as  it 
furnished  a  means  of  livelihood  to  his  family  as  well  as  to  himself,  he  refused 
to  part  with  it.  There  was  no  insurance  on  the  vessel,  consequently  what 
represented  the  savings  of  a  lifetime  disappeared  in  a  moment,  and  with  it 
went  every  one  whose  strong  hands  should  have  supported  the  old  man's 
trembling  steps  toward  the  grave. 


The  Storm  off  Cape  Cod. — Five  Vessels  Wrecked — Terrible  Sufferings 
of  the  Men  on  the  Powwow — Thrilling  Scenes  of  Death — How  the  Survivors 
were  Rescued. — The  night  of  the  2d  and  the  morning  of  the  3d  of  January, 
1878,  were  terrible  for  those  unlucky  mariners  who  found  themselves  in  a 
snowstorm,  being  driven  on  the  treacherous  sands  of  Cape  Cod.  Five  ves- 
sels were  lost.  From  the  largest  two  not  a  soul  was  saved ;  every  man, 
from  the  captains  down  to  the  deck  boys,  was  buried  beneath  the  cold 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  149 

waters.     A  few  bodies  were  recovered,  but  the  majority  sleep  in  watery- 
graves. 

The  sufferings  of  the  crew  of  the  ill-fated  Powwow  of  Provincetown  were 
frightful.  The  hour  of  4  A.  M.  found  them  drifting  helplessly  to  the  lee 
shore  of  Wellfleet.  With  the  hope  of  checking  their  drift  they  anchored, 
but  the  chain  of  their  larger  anchor  parted  and  the  vessel  dragged  the 
smaller  one  as  if  it  had  been  a  pound  weight.  Then,  as  the  tempest  lulled, 
"Hoist  the  jib,"  shouted  the  captain,  "and  we'll  run  her  through  the  surf." 
With  great  difficulty  the  sail  was  partially  hoisted  and  the  vessel's  head 
swung  towards  the  land.  But  alas  !  she  struck  in  the  outer  breakers.  The 
great  billows  broke  over  her  and  in  an  instant  she  filled.  A  signal  of  dis- 
tress was  lighted,  but  was  soon  extinguished.  "Set  the  kerosene  afire," 
ordered  Capt.  Caton;  "we  must  let  the  station  men  know  we  are  here." 
This  was  done.  Thank  heaven,  an  answering  signal  was  heard,  and  in  the 
course  of  a  half  hour  they  discerned  a  horse  and  cart  moving  towards  them 
along  the  beach,  bearing  a  large  box  containing  the  patent  rescue  gun.  A 
long  hour  crept  by,  but  there  came  no  other  signs  of  succor.  Their  hopes 
fell.  So  cold  were  they  that  it  was  with  difficulty  they  clung  to  the  rigging. 
Drenched  every  moment  with  icy  'water,  they  were  soon  benumbed.  One 
huge  fellow,  with  the  muscles  of  a  Hercules,  was  three  times  washed  away 
from  the  vessel.  Twice  he  regained  his  hold,  but  the  third  time  his  strength 
failed,  and  he  sank  to  rise  no  more.  As  the  dreary  morning  passed  two 
others  gave  up  the  struggle,  and  releasing  their  grasp,  were  swept  away. 
One  poor  boy,  named  James  Downling,  whose  home  was  in  Boston,  suc- 
cumbed to  the  cold.  "I  can't  stand  it  any  longer,  Captain,"  said  he,  "I 
am  going  to  die."  When  last  seen  by  the  survivors  he  was  lying  in  the  lee 
scuppers,  his  head  hanging  listlessly  to  one  side,  his  hair  matted  with  ice,, 
and  his  arms  clutching  in  their  death-grip  a  coil  of  frozen  rope.  And  at. 
last  the  captain  whispered  hoarsely,  "Good-bye,  boys,  I  shall  try  for  the 
shore.  May  God  keep  me  for  my  poor  wife's  sake."  A  dory  was  got  over 
the  side,  but  was  crushed  in  an  instant.  Capt.  Caton  then  tore  off  the  cabin 
skylight,  and  heaving  it  overboard,  sprang  after  it.  His  support  was  soon 
wrenched  from  his  grasp,  but  he  struggled  manfully.  He  reached  the  shore  ;, 
twice  he  stood  erect  on  the  sand,  but  the  undertow  was  too  powerful,  and 
he  was  drawn  under  the  surf.  The  ten  men  who  remained  on  the  vessel 
were  destined  to  be  saved.  After  daylight  the  Life  Saving  Station  men,  who- 
had  previously  been  devoting  their  energies  to  the  vain  attempt  of  rescuing 
the  crew  of  the  other  wreck,  arrived.  The  first  time  they  fired  the  mortar 
the  ball  with  the  line  attached  fell  over  the  spring-stay,  but  the  men  were  so< 
chilled  with  cold  that  it  was  impossible  to  get  it.  After  several  trials,  how- 
ever, the  line  fell  where  they  could  reach  it.  At  10  A.  M..  they  were  all 
ashore  and  were  tenderly  cared  for  at  the  Humane  House. 


150  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Perilous  Experiences. — Allen  Maginnis,  of  sch.  Centennial,  was  drowned 
by  the  capsizing  of  a  dory  on  Grand  Bank,  Jan.  20,  1878.  His  companion 
in  the  dory,  John  McLeod,  succeeded  in  getting  on  the  bottom  of  the  frail 
craft,  but  this  afforded  a  very  insecure  hold,  and  while  all  the  other  dories 
belonging  to  the  vessel  were  provided  with  beckets  fastened  to  the  plugs 
for  cases  of  such  emergency,  this  particular  one  was  not  thus  furnished. 
McLeod  retained  his  hold  as  best  he  could,  being  sometimes  washed  off, 
until  seeing  a  halibut-killer  afloat  a  short  distance  away,  he  swam  off  and 
secured  it,  and  pounding  out  the  plug,  was  able  to  thrust  one  of  his  fingers 
through  the  hole  in  the  bottom  of  the  dory,  and  thus  maintain  his  hold.  In 
this  manner,  changing  from  one  finger  to  another,  he  held  his  own  with 
great  difficulty  for  about  two  hours,  when  his  cries  were  heard  by  some  com- 
panions in  another  dory,  who  rowed  to  his  assistance  and  took  him  off  in  an 
exhausted  condition.  Several  of  his  fingers  were  badly  chafed,  and  it  is 
doubtful  if  he  could  have  held  on  much  longer. 

Nov.  6,  1878,  Thomas  King  and  Charles  Hubbley,  of  sch.  Amiie  C.  Nor- 
wood, on  an  off-shore  codfishing  trip,  were  out  in  their  dories,  when  a  squall 
came  on  and  the  dory  capsized  so  suddenly  as  to  throw  them  ten  feet  from 
her.  They  managed  to  swim  to  the  overturned  dory  and  to  get  upon  her 
bottom,  but  King  was  greatly  exhausted  and  soon  succumbed.  Hubbley 
succeeded  in  maintaining  his  position  by  getting  a  finger  in  the  plug-hole, 
holding  on  for  two  hours,  until  his  finger  was  nearly  cut  off,  when  he  was 
taken  off  by  sch.  Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  greatly  exhausted. 

Lost  and  Found. — A  Happy  Surprise. — Alexander  McEachen  and  Au- 
gustus Armstrong,  two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Mary  F.  Chisholm  of  this  port, 
left  that  vessel  during  a  fog,  May  9,  1878,  to  attend  to  their  trawls  on  West- 
ern Bank.  They  got  out  of  hearing  of  the  fog-horn  and  were  unable  to  find 
their  vessel.  After  rowing  for  twenty-four  hours  they  fell  in  with  a  French 
fishing  vessel  and  were  taken  on  board,  where  they  remained  two  days. 
They  were  subsequently  transferred  to  sch.  Viking,  and  arrived  home  the 
day  before  the  Chisholm,  and  were  the  first  to  hail  that  vessel  as  she  came 
up  the  harbor  with  her  flag  at  half-mast  in  token  of  their  loss.  The  flag 
was  speedily  flying  from  the  mast-head  in  rejoicing  at  their  deliverance,  and 
their  shipmates  congratulated  them  heartily  on  their  fortunate  escape. 

A  Hard  Pull  in  a  Dory. — Two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Ida  A.  Thurlow 
of  Eastport,  Me.,  named  Alex.  S.  Morise  and  Thomas  T.  Goodwin,  were 
lost  from  that  vessel  in  May,  1878,  while  attending  to  their  trawls  in  a  dory, 
and  after  an  exposure  of  eighty-two  hours,  without  compass,  food  or  water, 
by  making  a  perilous  voyage  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles,  succeeded 
in  landing,  through  fearful  breakers,  forty-five  miles  east  of  Halifax. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  151 

A  Perilous  Night. — Friday,  Jan.  4,  1878,  a  severe  storm  came  on  dur- 
ing the  afternoon,  and  most  of  the  Lanesville  dory  fleet  arrived  in  ere  it 
became  very  severe.  At  sundown  there  was  great  anxiety  felt  for  the  safety 
of  Sylvanus  C.  Lane  and  Lorenzo  Griffin,  who  had  not  arrived.  Sad  were 
the  hearts  on  the  shore  as  the  cold  wind  blew  its  fitful  blasts  and  the  blind- 
ing snowstorm  raged  in  all  its  fury.  It  was  a  tough  night  to  be  exposed  in 
an  open  dory  on  the  rough  waters  of  Ipswich  Bay,  and  so  these  fishermen 
found  it.  They  could  not  make  any  headway  to  the  port  which  they  wished 
to  gain,  so  they  drifted  to  leeward,  having  hard  work  to  keep  their  craft 
afloat.  Soon  they  heard  the  breakers  on  the  beach  toward  Ipswich,  and 
their  only  chance  was  to  throw  their  anchor,  and  it  held  them  in  eight  fath- 
oms of  water.  There  they  waited  for  the  wind  to  change,  knowing  full  well 
their  fate  if  the  anchor  parted.  It  did  not  part,  although  several  times  they 
shipped  heavy  seas,  nearly  filling  their  dory  with  water,  which  they  bailed 
out  with  a  bucket.  Fortunately  the  wind  changed,  and  the  worn  out  fisher- 
men rowed  home,  arriving  at  midnight,  where  they  were  received  by  their 
loved  ones  with  thankful  hearts. 

A  Rough  Experience. — Feb.  28,  1879,  sch.  Alfred  Wakn,  Capt.  Patrick 
O'Neal,  was  coming  home  from  Brown's  Bank,  and  while  reefing  the  main- 
sail, the  vessel  took  a  roll  to  windward,  and  one  of  the  crew,  Richard  Cos- 
tillo,  who  was  on  the  end  of  the  boom,  lost  his  balance  and  went  overboard. 
After  making  four  attempts  to  catch  the  log  line  he  succeeded  in  grasping 
it.  The  vessel  was  going  nine  miles  an  hour,  with  a  heavy  sea  running,  and 
he  was  dragged  under  water.  The  vessel  was  put  up  in  the  wind,  and  the 
unfortunate  man  was  some  three  hundred  feet  off,  still  clinging  for  dear  life 
to  the  log  line,  and  swashed  up  and  down  by  the  heavy  seas,  rendering  his 
position  extremely  dangerous.  He  felt  the  pulling  of  the  men  on  the  line, 
the  force  of  which  pulled  him  under  water,  and  he  could  not  remain  on  the 
surface.  He  was  hauled,  as  near  as  he  could  judge,  some  sixty  feet,  when 
he  gave  up  all  hopes  of  being  saved,  as  he  did  not  come  to  the  surface  un- 
til he  was  hauled  under  the  quarter  of  the  vessel,  when  the  men  got  into  a 
dory,  and  getting  a  rope  about  him,  got  him  on  board  the  vessel,  where, 
after  long  and  repeated  efforts,  they  succeeded  in  resuscitating  him.  He 
never  has  recovered  from  his  fearful  experience,  having  raised  a  great  deal 
of  blood,  and  has  not  been  able  to  do  much  work  since. 

An  Unfortunate  Skipper. — -The  captain  and  owner  of  a  small  schooner 
at  Portland  had  hard  luck  of  it.  He  had  fished  on  Georges  seventeen  years, 
and  in  the  Spring  of  1880  concluded  he  would  sell  his  little  home  in  Glouc- 
ester, pay  off  the  mortgage  and  with  the  proceeds  go  to  Boothbay  and  live 
quietly.     Afterwards,  in  Gloucester,  he  accidentally  lost  his  right  index  fin- 


152  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

ger.  He  lifted  the  mortgage  by  selling  his  house,  and  had  $233.50  left. 
This  money  he  put  in  an  envelope,  and  the  envelope  in  an  inside  pocket. 
He  set  sail  for  Boothbay  with  his  family  in  his  vessel,  and  on  Saturday, 
Sept.  3,  when  off  Cape  Elizabeth,  as  he  leaned  over  the  rail  to  pull  in  a 
rope,  the  envelope  fell  from  his  pocket  into  the  water,  and  as  $1.50  of  the 
money  was  in  silver  it  sank  before  his  eyes. 

At  the  Mercy  of  the  Seas. — Five  Days  without  Food  or  Drink. — John 
Whitlaw  and  Samuel  Orgrove,  two  of  the  crew  of  fishing  sch.  Edward  A. 
Horto?i  of  this  port,  left  that  vessel  on  Grand  Bank,  Thursday,  July  1,  1880, 
for  the  purpose  of  hauling  their  trawls.  After  loading  their  dory  they  found 
themselves  unable  to  return  to  their  vessel,  on  account  of  a  heavy  fog  hav- 
ing shut  in,  and  rowed  aimlessly  away  in  the  hope  of  finding  succor.  After 
undergoing  great  exposure  and  hardships,  on  the  following  Tuesday  they 
effected  a  landing  upon  the  coast  of  Newfoundland,  greatly  reduced  and 
almost  in  a  dying  condition  from  their  enforced  abstinence  from  food  and 
drink.  They  were  kindly  treated,  and  were  forwarded  to  St  Johns,  N.  F., 
where  they  arrived  on  the  evening  of  July  9. 

Death  from  Exposure  on  the  Fishing  Grounds. — Sch.  Polar  Wave, 
Capt.  Jerome  McDonald,  was  on  Banquereau,  March  24th,  1880,  when  the 
wind  suddenly  shifted  and  it  set  in  extremely  cold  while  six  of  her  dories 
were  out.  The  vessel  got  underway  and  found  five  of  the  dories  without 
difficulty,  but  the  other,  containing  George  Nelson  and  Charles  Ray,  re- 
mained undiscovered  until  morning.  These  men  had  hauled  up  and  rowed 
away  from  the  vessel  instead  of  towards  her.  They  soon  discovered  their 
mistake,  as  a  strong  light  was  set  in  the  rigging  of  the  vessel,  and  they  re- 
mained within  sight  of  it  all  night.  They  threw  overboard  their  fish  and 
gear,  but  were  unable  to  make  headway  against  the  wind  and  sea  to  the 
vessel.  The  next  day  they  were  seen  by  the  crew,  who  went  to  their  suc- 
cor. When  found  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  Nelson  was  dead,  having  died 
from  the  exposure  at  about  nine,  A.  M.  He  was  an  Austrian,  a  native  of 
Tricate,  about  twenty-three  years  of  age,  and  had  followed  fishing  from  this 
port  for  some  time.  He  was  buried  at  sea  March  30.  He  was  spoken  of 
as  of  a  very  delicate  constitution,  weighing  about  one  hundred  and  ten 
pounds,  and  notwithstanding  the  continued  cheering  up  and  entreaties  by 
his  companion,  to  continue  rowing,  and  they  would  surely  be  saved,  the 
poor  fellow  was  so  utterly  exhausted  that  he  could  not  make  further  efforts 
and  succumbed  to  the  terrible  cold  and  exposure. 

A  Caution  Which  Should  Be  Heeded. — If  the  fishermen  would  only 
take  the  precaution  to  place  a  jug  of  water  and  some  hard  bread  in  their 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  153 

dories,  it  would  oftentimes  save  much  suffering  and  perhaps  life.  It  is  full 
time  that  masters  and  owners  of  fishing  vessels  interested  themselves  in  this 
matter  and  insisted  that  it  should  be  done.  The  expense  and  trouble  is  but 
trifling  compared  with  the  benefits  which  might  follow,  and  it  should  be 
among  the  duties  required  of  fishermen  each  trip  to  see  that  every  dory  was 
provided  with  the  wherewithal  to  sustain  life  when  lost  in  the  fog  or  driven 
out  of  sight  of  their  vessel,  as  is  frequently  the  case.  There  is  no  excuse 
for  the  fishermen  if  they  fail  to  comply  with  this  simple  duty,  and  we  trust 
that  they  will  heed  this  advice  and  provide  a  remedy  for  one  cause  of  dan- 
ger and  suffering  attending  the  business. 

Five  Days  Adrift  in  a  Dory  Without  Food. — James  McGrath  and 
Michael  Coleman  left  sch.  Procter  Brothers  on  Western  Bank,  March  18, 
1880,  to  attend  to  their  trawls,  and  a  gale  springing  up,  were  unable  to  re- 
turn to  the  vessel.  After  drifting  about  at  the  mercy  of  the  wind  and  waves 
for  five  days,  without  food  or  water,  drove  ashore  at  Sable  Island  on  the 
evening  of  the  2 2d.  The  weather  was  intensely  cold  and  their  sufferings 
extreme  while  they  were  in  the  dory,  and  McGrath  had  both  feet  badly 
frozen.  When  taken  out  of  the  dory  they  were  unable  to  walk,  and  had  to 
be  carried  on  the  shoulders  of  the  men  stationed  on  the  island  to  aid  wrecked 
people.  They  were  taken  to  the  hospital,  and  being  sufficiently  recovered, 
were  taken  to  Halifax  by  the  Dominion  Government  steamer  Newfield. 

The  Colemans,  as  it  would  appear,  were  not  born  to  be  drowned.  On 
Feb.  15,  1879,  Charles  Coleman  was  capsized  on  the  Banks  in  a  dory  from 
sch.  Commonwealth,  and  with  his  companion,  Sweeny  McKenzie,  clung  to 
the  dory's  bottom  for  an  hour  and  a  half  with  such  desperation  as  to  leave 
the  imprints  of  their  fingers  in  the  wood.  Coleman  slipped  from  his  hold 
three  times,  and  three  times  his  comrade  battled  the  waves  to  rescue  him, 
and  he  was  so  exhausted  when  taken  on  board  the  vessel  that  it  took  three 
hours  to  bring  him  to  consciousness.  Michael  Coleman,  whose  second  nar- 
row escape  is  narrated  above,  was  lost  in  a  dory  with  H.  Choate  Allen  from 
sch.  Addison  G.  Procter,  June  29,  1879,  on  St.  Peter's  Bank,  and  after  sub- 
sisting on  small  pieces  of  raw  halibut  for  four  days,  and  rowing  one  hundred 
and  sixty  miles,  they  were  picked  up  by  a  Lockeport,  N.  S.,  schooner. 

Shipwreck  And  Loss  of  Life.— Gallant  Rescue  by  a  Gloucester  Fishing 
Crew. — Sch.  Laura  Sayward,  Capt.  James  Moore,  arrived  from  a  Georges 
trip  Sept.  14,  1880,  bringing  the  captain,  John  C.  Winchester,  and  mate, 
Thomas  Lewis,  of  sch.  Maggie  Blanche,  of  Digby,  N.  S.,  for  Barbadoes  with 
a  load  of  lumber  and  potatoes,  being  accompanied  by  the  owner  of  the  ves- 
sel, Mr.  Wesley  K.  Rice,  who  designed  selling  the  vessel  on  her  arrival  at 
the  West  Indies.     The  Maggie  Blanche  set  sail  Sunday,  Sept.  5,  and  every- 


154  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

thing  went  well  until  Wednesday,  the  8th,  at  about  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  when 
she  encountered  a  strong  gale  from  the  east-southeast  with  a  heavy  sea,  ac- 
companied by  rain  and  squalls.  During  the  gale  the  schooner  was  hove  on 
her  beam  ends,  shifting  the  cargo  in  her  hold,  and  laid  dead  in  the  water 
under  a  three-reefed  foresail.  The  wind  veering  to  the  northeast,  causing 
a  heavy  cross  sea,  an  effort  was  made  to  take  in  the  reefed  foresail  with  the 
design  of  jettisoning  the  deck  load,  and  while  furling  the  sail  a  sea  ran  in 
to  leeward  and  capsized  the  vessel.  About  eight  o'clock,  Thursday  morn- 
ing, the  cargo  having  washed  out,  the  mainmast  broke  off  at  the  deck  and 
the  vessel  righted  full  of  water.  The  owner,  Mr.  Rice,  was  drowned  in  his 
cabin,  his  body  washing  out,  and  the  officers  and  crew,  four  in  number, 
were  confined  to  the  deck,  all  below  being  full  of  water.  Two  of  them, 
William  Vroon,  one  of  the  crew,  and  Augustus  Theodore  (colored),  the 
cook,  were  washed  overboard  and  drowned,  and  the  captain  and  mate  lashed 
themselves  to  the  deck.  A  brig  passed  quite  near  them,  and  they  signalled 
her  by  every  means  within  their  power,  but  without  avail,  and  she  kept  on 
her  course.  On  Saturday  morning,  the  nth,  about  seven  o'clock,  the  wreck 
was  descried  by  sch.  Laura  Say  ward  lying  at  anchor  on  the  northeastern 
part  of  Georges,  and  Capt.  Moore  at  once  commenced  making  arrangements 
to  go  to  her  assistance.  The  windlass  was  manned  and  an  attempt  made 
to  raise  the  anchor,  but  there  was  a  heavy  cross  sea  running,  and  but  little 
progress  could  be  made  in  that  direction.  Finding  that  the  wreck  was  fast 
sinking  and  that  prompt  measures  must  be  taken,  Capt.  Moore  ordered  his 
cable  cut,  having  a  whole  string  out,  and  a  dory  was  launched  and  manned 
by  two  of  the  crew,  Dean  Crockett  and  James  Lord,  who  went  to  the  wreck 
and  took  off  the  suffering  men. 

These  men,  Crockett  and  Lord,  were  subsequently  the  recipients  of  two 
magnificent  stem-winding  watches  from  the  Canadian  Government,  through 
Hon.  Edward  Thornton,  British  Minister  at  Washington,  in  recognition  of 
their  humane  and  gallant  exertions  in  saving  life. 

A  Tough  Experience. — Charles  Lunt  and  Paul  Nelson  of  sch.  Waldo 
Irving,  haddock  catching,  off  shore,  left  the  vessel  Wednesday,  Dec.  29, 
1880,  to  visit  their  trawls,  and  were  unable  afterwards  to  find  trace  of  the 
vessel,  and  those  on  board  could  not  find  the  men.  They  started  to  row 
for  the  land,  but  were  blown  off.  Thursday  afternoon,  about  two  o'clock, 
after  having  been  exposed  in  their  frail  craft  to  the  severe  snow  squall  and 
terrible  cold  which  followed,  and  when,  as  near  as  they  could  judge,  they 
were  about  thirty-five  miles  from  Boston  light,  they  saw  a  steamer  and  rowed 
in  her  track.  It  proved  to  be  the  ocean  steamer  Sardinian,  on  the  passage 
from  Boston  to  England,  via  Halifax.  It  came  alongside  the  dory,  a  sailor 
got  down  and  bent  a  line  to  each  of  the  men,  as  they  were  so  exhausted 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  155 

they  could  not  help  themselves,  and  they  were  hoisted  on  deck.  They  were 
so  much  exhausted  from  exposure,  hard  work  and  want  of  food,  that  they 
could  have  survived  but  a  short  time  longer.  Their  hands  and  feet  were 
badly  frostbitten  and  their  sufferings  indescribable.  During  the  heavy  gale 
of  Wednesday  night  they  kept  their  dory's  head  to  the  sea  by  means  of  a 
drogue  made  from  their  fishing  tackle  and  trawl  tub.  They  were  taken  in 
charge  by  the  American  consul  at  Halifax  and  sent  home. 

Particulars  of  the  Loss  of  Sch.  Lizzie  K.  Clark. — Sch.  Lizzie  K. 
Clark,  Capt.  Ambrose  Melanson,  left  port  March  22,  1881,  bound  South  on 
a  mackerel  trip,  and  capsized  and  sunk  about  twenty  miles  southeast  of 
Barnegat  on  the  25th.  The  weather  was  rough  from  the  start,  but  on  the 
25th  the  sea  was  comparatively  calm,  and  at  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
all  hands  except  the  helmsman  were  below  putting  the  seines  and  gear  in 
order.  The  vessel  was  under  full  sail  and  heading  west,  one-half  north, 
when  she  was  suddenly  struck  by  a  squall  and  capsized.  Capt.  Melanson 
rushed  upon  deck  and  hove  the  wheel  down,  but  she  was  too  far  over  to 
obey  the  helm,  and  he  seized  an  axe  and  ran  forward  to  cut  the  fore  sheets, 
but  being  unable  to  reach  them,  got  into  the  main  rigging  and  severed  the 
halyards.  At  this  time  the  ice-pens  gave  way  and  their  contents  shifting 
prevented  the  schooner  from  righting.  Both  companion-ways  were  open, 
and  the  water  rushed  down,  filling  the  hold.  The  crew  reached  the  deck 
with  considerable  difficulty,  and  one  of  their  number,  Edward  Ryan,  the 
first  to  follow  Capt.  Melanson  on  deck,  was  washed  overboard.  The  others 
climbed  upon  the  weather  side,  and  cutting  adrift  the  seine  boat,  lashed  be- 
tween the  masts  and  rigging,  got  her  afloat  half  filled  with  water.  They 
picked  up  Ryan,  and  were  scarcely  a  hundred  feet  away  from  the  schooner 
when  she  sank.  After  floating  about  for  half  an  hour  they  were  picked  up 
by  Pilot  Boat  No.  3.  Seven  were  put  on  board  the  tug  Knickerbocker  and 
taken  to  New  York,  and  seven  were  taken  to  the  same  port  in  the  brig 
Mary  Fink,  from  Matanzas. 

Picked  Up  Adrift. — A  Humane  Shipmaster. — George  Strowhan  and 
John  Kerry,  two  of  the  crew  of  sch.  George  S.  Boutwell,  Capt.  Gorman,  of 
this  port,  left  that  vessel  on  Western  Bank  to  set  their  trawls,  Aug.  1,  r88i, 
and  were  lost  in  the  fog.  After  being  adrift  for  eighteen  hours  without  food 
or  drink,  they  were  picked  up  by  the  coal  laden  steamship  Wilton  of  and  for 
Hartlepool,  Eng.,  from  Philadelphia.  Sighting  a  vessel  in  the  distance, 
which  proved  to  be  the  schooner  to  which  they  belonged,  the  captain  of  the 
steamer  went  some  ten  miles  out  of  his  course  to  put  them  on  board,  instead 
of  taking  them  across  the  Atlantic.  After  the  men  were  picked  up  there 
was  a  thick  fog  for  three  or  four  days,  and  they  probably  would  have  per- 
ished but  for  the  timely  succor. 


156  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Capsized  on  the  Banks. — Seized  by  a  Shark  When  Succor  Was  at  Hand. 
— Sch.  Victor,  Capt.  John  E.  Sigsworth,  arrived  from  a  Western  Bank  trip, 
Aug.  16,  1 88 1,  and  reported  a  sad  accident  on  the  Banks  on  the  12  th,  re- 
sulting in  the  horrible  death  of  one  of  her  crew,  George  M.  Sigsworth,  a 
brother  of  the  skipper.  Young  Sigsworth  and  a  companion  named  David 
A.  Raymond  had  been  out  to  set  their  trawls,  and  while  returning  to  the 
vessel,  a  tub  in  the  after  part  of  the  dory  interfering  with  their  rowing,  they 
hauled  in  their  oars  to  change  its  position.  Just  then  a  heavy  sea  struck 
and  capsized  the  dory,  throwing  its  occupants  into  the  water.  Sigsworth 
kept  afloat  by  means  of  an  oar  held  under  his  breast,  and  the  air  filling  his 
oil  jacket,  and  his  companion  succeeded  in  getting  upon  the  bottom  of  the 
dory  and  holding  on  by  the  stern  becket.  Sigsworth  made  his  way  towards 
the  dory,  and  had  just  reached  out  his  hand  to  take  that  of  Raymond,  which 
was  extended  to  aid  him,  when  a  huge  shark  made  its  appearance,  and  seiz- 
ing the  unfortunate  man  disappeared  with  its  prey,  who  was  not  seen  again. 
He  was  a  young  man  of  good  character,  about  twenty-seven  and  a  half  years 
of  age,  unmarried,  a  native  of  Prince  Edward  Island,  and  had  followed  fish- 
ing from  Gloucester  for  several  years. 

Narrow  Escape. — Sch.  Davy  Crockett,  while  on  Cashes,  in  September, 
1881,  ran  over  her  seine  boat  containing  eleven  men,  and  they  had  a  lively 
time  to  save  themselves.  They  were  overhauling  the  seine,  taking  it  on 
board  the  boat,  when  the  cook,  who  with  another  man  was  left  on  the  ves- 
sel, endeavored  to  bring  her  alongside  the  boat,  but  made  a  miscalculation 
in  "luffing,"  and  she  struck  the  boat  amidships.  Seven  of  the  men  man- 
aged to  cling  to  the  boat ;  one,  Christie  Johnson,  swam  for  the  dory  j  and 
A.  G.  Eisener,  Dighton  Simons  and  Wiley  Havener,  happened  to  be  good 
swimmers  and  succeeded  in  getting  hold  of  the  vessel's  fenders. 

A  Daring  Deed. — Two  Gloucester  Mariners  Risk  Their  Lives  to  Rescue 
a  Comrade. — April  2,  188 1,  Albert  F.  Fitch,  one  of  the  crew  of  sch.  Star  of 
the  East,  was  washed  overboard  while  dressing  fish  on  Brown's  Bank.  He 
was  fortunate  in  catching  hold  of  a  shifting  plank  which  had  washed  over- 
board, on  which  he  succeeded  in  keeping  afloat  for  an  hour  and  ten  minutes 
before  being  picked  up.  It  was  blowing  a  heavy  gale  from  the  northwest, 
with  a  strong  tide  running  to  leeward,  and  any  attempt  to  go  to  his  rescue 
was  fraught  with  great  peril.  But  unmindful  of  the  serious  risk,  Michael 
Doyle  and  Joseph  Hackett  jumped  into  an  old  dory  and  started  away  be- 
fore the  wind  and  sea  to  rescue  their  imperilled  comrade.  After  they  got 
him  on  board  of  their  frail  boat  they  found  it  absolutely  impossible  to  return 
to  their  vessel,  but  succeeded  in  boarding  sch.  Joseph  O.,  which  was  also 
lying  at  anchor  on  the  Bank.     It  took  some  three  hours  of  constant  labor, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  157 

aftei  arriving  on  board  the  Joseph  O.,  to  resuscitate  Fitch,  and  the  three  men 
remained  on  board  the  latter  vessel  from  Sunday  night  until  Tuesday  after- 
noon, when  the  Star  of  the  East  was  signalled,  and  ran  down  and  took  the 
men  on  board.  It  was  a  noble  deed,  and  as  such  we  herewith  record  it  in 
the  "Fishermen's  Own  Book." 

Rescue  of  a  Crew  in  an  Open  Boat. — Sch.  Thresher,  Capt.  Andrew 
McKenzie,  at  this  port  from  the  Banks,  May  17,  1881,  reported  on  the  out- 
ward passage,  April  2 2d,  lat.  46.39,  Ion.  58.5,  falling  in  with  Capt.  E.  Jeary 
and  crew  of  five  men  belonging  to  sch.  Flora,  of  and  from  St.  Pierre.  They 
were  in  an  open  boat  and  had  been  exposed  to  the  elements  eight  days  and 
were  on  allowance  of  one  biscuit  daily  each.  The  Flora  was  bound  to  Syd- 
ney for  coal,  had  got  caught  in  the  ice,  sprung  aleak  and  sunk.  Everything 
was  done  for  the  comfort  of  the  sufferers,  and  they  were  landed  at  St.  Pierre. 
Capt.  Jeary  testified  his  appreciation  of  the  kind  treatment  received  by 
giving  Capt.  McKenzie  a  written  acknowledgment  of  the  same,  expressing 
heartfelt  gratitude. 

Four  Days  and  Three  Nights  Adrift  in  a  Dory  Without  Food. — 
Angus  Chisholm  and  William  Kennedy  left  sch.  Bellerophon  on  Grand  Bank, 
April  15,  1 88 1,  to  visit  their  trawls.  The  fog  shutting  down  they  succeeded 
in  getting  on  board  of  sch.  Solomon  Poole.  When  the  fog  lifted  they  made 
another  start,  but  were  soon  enveloped  in  the  misty  haze,  from  whose  perils 
they  escaped  a  second  time  by  boarding  sch.  Ocean  King.  Nothing  daunted, 
as  soon  as  it  lighted  up  a  little,  they  made  a  third  attempt  to  find  their 
trawls.  From  that  time  their  experience  was  the  "oft-told  tale."  Astray 
upon  the  high  seas,  encompassed  by  a  dense  fog,  with  nothing  to  guide  their 
course,  and  destitute  of  food,  they  rowed  and  rowed  and  rowed  in  their  well- 
nigh  hopeless  quest  for  a  friendly  sail.  To  their  discomforts  from  exposure 
in  their  frail  boat,  their  labor  at  the  oars,  and  their  wearing  anxiety  as  to 
their  possible  fate,  were  soon  added  the  pangs  of  hunger.  These  they  en- 
deavored to  palliate  by  eating  pieces  of  raw  fish,  but  their  stomachs  rejected 
the  unwonted  and  unsuitable  food.  Fortunately  they  were  supplied  with  a 
quart  bottle  of  fresh  water,  which  was  carefully  husbanded,  and  which  did 
much  to  sustain  and  cheer  them  on  their  weary  round.  Only  a  quart  of  wa- 
ter !  yet  for  the  time  to  them  their  most  valuable  possession,  compared  with 
which  all  the  glittering  wealth  of  the  world  would  have  been  valueless.  For 
four  dreary  days  and  three  long  nights  their  lives  were  one  constant  monot- 
ony of  desolation,  of  fruitless  longing  and  unfulfilled  hopes.  Finally,  April 
19,  they  were  picked  up  by  the  bark  Von  Moltke,  Capt.  McCully,  from  Lon- 
donderry for  Baltimore,  and  kindly  treated.  The  bark  landed  them  at 
Delaware  Breakwater,  whence  they  were  furnished  a  free  passage  home,  ar- 
riving May  3. 


158  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Home  from  a  Fishing  Voyage  via  England. — Charles  Beranson  and 
William  Dousey,  two  of  the  crew  of  fishing  sch.  Notice  of  this  port,  left  their 
vessel  on  Grand  Bank,  Aug.  23,  i88i,forthe  purpose  of  visiting  their  trawls, 
and  becoming  involved  in  the  fog  failed  to  find  their  way  back.  They  were 
without  provisions,  but  the  second  day  adrift  came  across  a  trawl  from 
which  they  took  two  halibut  to  appease  their  hunger.  After  drifting  about 
for  three  days  and  four  nights  they  were  picked  up  by  the  Norwegian  bark 
Tancred,  bound  from  the  West  Indies  for  Liverpool,  Eng.,  and  in  due  time 
were  landed  at  the  latter  port,  where  they  were  taken  in  charge  by  the 
American  consul,  who  supplied  them  with  clothing  and  other  necessaries 
and  secured  them  passage  to  Boston  on  a  schooner,  and  they  arrived  home 
about  the  middle  of  October. 

A  Hard  Time  of  It. — All  Night  in  a  Dory  with  the  Oars  Gone. — Friday 
morning,  Jan.  27,  1882,  sch.  Emma  S.  Osier  of  this  port  was  about  four 
miles  southwest  of  the  Isles  of  Shoals.  Soon  after  it  came  up  squally,  and 
she  picked  up  her  dories,  all  but  one,  which  was  manned  by  John  W.  Gas- 
kell,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  to  the  leeward.  It  was  easy  for  him  to  see  the 
vessel,  but  not  so  for  those  on  board  to  see  him,  as  he  pitched  up  and  down 
on  the  heavy  seas.  Capt.  Osier  did  everything  in  his  power  to  find  the 
missing  man,  but  all  efforts  to  get  the  buoy  marks  in  the  heavy  squall  were 
unavailing.  Gaskell  concluding  that  his  best  chance  for  getting  on  board 
was  to  row,  let  go  the  lee  buoy,  on  to  which  he  was  holding,  and  started. 
When  he  had  got  about  half  way  to  the  schooner  she  kept  off,  and  he  made 
up  his  mind  that  there  was  a  hard  pull  for  him  ere  he  could  reach  the  land 
or  be  picked  up  by  some  vessel.  About  eleven  o'clock  a  heavy  sea  struck 
the  dory,  breaking  the  forward  thwart,  nearly  filling  her.  The  oars  were 
washed  overboard,  and  there  he  was  in  a  heavy  sea  with  no  oars  with 
which  to  help  himself.  He  at  once  made  a  drogue  of  his  nets,  adding  a 
dozen  bricks,  and  lay  quite  comfortable  to  it  until  three  P.  M.,  when  it  mod- 
erated, and  he  commenced  paddling  with  the  damaged  thwart,  making  very 
good  progress  and  keeping  himself  comfortably  warm  with  the  exercise,  al- 
though it  was  hard  work.  At  7  P.  M.,  being  entirely  exhausted,  he  came 
to  anchor  abreast  Halibut  Point.  Here  he  passed  the  night,  which  was 
cold  and  uncomfortable,  and  the  hours  seemed  long  and  dreary.  At  sun- 
rise, Saturday  morning,  he  was  glad  to  see  the  fishing  boat  Pinafore  come 
out  of  Rockport  harbor,  and  paddling  toward  her  was  cordially  received, 
and  after  partaking  of  a  good  breakfast  he  proceeded  with  them  to  the  fishing 
grounds,  arriving  back  in  season  to  take  the  afternoon  train  home.  Gas- 
kell's  hands  were  badly  blistered  and  his  fingers  frozen,  but  he  soon  recov- 
ered from  the  effects  of  the  exposure.  His  arrival  home  caused  great 
rejoicing,  as  it  was  feared  that  he  was  drowned. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  159 


The  Frenchman's  Stew,  and  the  Disgusted  Irishmen. 

BY   DICK   SKYLIGHT. 

On  a  pleasant  evening  in  the  Summer  of  186 — ,  the  sch.  Clara  F.  Friend 
came  sailing  into  Gloucester  harbor,  having  on  board  in  addition  to  her  reg- 
ular crew  a  young  Frenchman,  whom  we  will  call  Louis  D.  One  night, 
while  laying  at  anchor  on  the  Bank,  he  had  left  his  own  vessel  and  swam  on 
board  the  Friend,  which  also  lay  anchored  about  a  mile  distant  from  the 
French  bark  he  had  left.  He  could  not  speak  a  word  of  English  at  that 
time,  but  by  language  of  signs,  which  is  understood  by  all  men,  he  succeed- 
ed in  making  the  American  fishermen  aware  of  his  desire  to  visit  the  United 
States,  and  they  cheerfully  acceded  to  his  wishes,  assuring  him  that  they 
would  take  him  home  with  them. 

On  arriving  in  port  the  Friend  was  hauled  into  the  wharf  and  well  secured, 
and,  it  being  Saturday  night,  aH  her  crew  went  home  to  stay  over  Sunday, 
leaving  the  Frenchman  alone  on  board. 

The  following  morning  Louis  was  out  bright  and  early,  and  having  eaten 
a  hasty  breakfast,  took  a  stroll  around  the  wharves  to  look  at  the  vessels 
and  also  to  to  get  an  idea  of  the  place  which  he  now  saw  for  the  first  time. 
During  his  wanderings  about  he  saw  a  pet  cat  on  the  wharf  at  which  the 
vessel  lay,  and  pussy,  with  trusting  confidence,  came  running  up  to  him,  and 
began  purring  and  rubbing  herself  against  his  leg.  Now  this  was  a  most 
unfortunate  thing  for  the  cat  j  she  took  the  same  risk  of  destruction  that  is 
taken  by  the  unwary  whale  which  ventures  inside  of  Race  Point,  or  the 
school  of  mackerel  that  comes  flipping  along  near  Cape  Ann.  As  the  eager 
Frenchman  took  the  unsuspecting  feline  up  in  his  arms  bright  visions  of  a 
delicious  soup  danced  before  his  imagination.  "Now  for  a  fresh  mess  ! "  he 
mentally  exclaimed. 

"Oh,  my!  ugh!  the  cruel,  nasty  thing!"  exclaims  some  fair  reader,  as 
she  pictures  to  herself  her  favorite  Tabby  in  the  grasp  of  such  a  remorse- 
less cat  destroyer. 

But  Louis  knew  nothing  and  cared  less  about  the  prejudices  of  the  Anglo- 
Saxon  race  in  regard  to  the  place  which  the  cat  should  occupy  in  domestic 
economy.  He  had  tramped  the  sun-burnt  plains  of  Mexico  as  a  soldier, 
served  a  term  on  a  man-of-war,  and  lastly,  dined  off  salt  grub  and  skate 
chowders  in  the  forecastle  of  a  French  fishing  vessel,  and  had  long  before 
this  got  over  being  fastidious,  therefore  he  was  no  way  loath  to  indulge  in 
the  luxury  of  a  cat  stew,  the  principal  ingredient  for  which  he  had  so  easily 


160  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

secured.     It  is  not  necessary  to  speak  here  of  the  modus  operandi  of  prepar- 
ing the  stew ;  suffice  it  to  say  that  in  due  course  of  time  it  was  ready. 

While  this  was  transpiring  a  market  boat,  manned  by  a  crew  of  hardy 
Irishmen,  came  in  the  harbor  and  hauled  alongside  of  the  wharf  at  which 
the  Friend  lay.  It  was  now  near  noon,  and  the  olfactories  of  the  new 
comers  were  greatly  refreshed  by  the  smell  of  the  savory  stew  which  was 
then  in  process  of  cooking. 

Louis,  being  socially  inclined,  soon  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  boat's 
crew,  and  with  true  French  politeness  invited  them,  in  broken  English,  to 
partake  of  his  dinner.  This  was  an  opportunity  for  a  good  "feed"  not  to 
be  neglected,  and  soon  the  party  of  six  or  eight  were  seated  at  the  table 
and  busily  employed  in  gratifying  their  appetite,  the  stew  being  highly  ap- 
preciated and  praised  by  all  the  invited  guests,  who  innocently  supposed  it 
was  made  of  chickens  or  some  sort  of  game. 

"Be  dad,  that's  a  foine  stew,  Larry,  me  b'y,"  said  one  of  the  fishermen  to 
his  shipmate,  after  dinner,  and  while  they  were  filling  and  lighting  their 
dudeens  for  a  "schmoke." 

"  Yer  right  there,  Mike,  but  phat  was  it  made  of  I'd  like  ter  know  ?  Divil 
the  bit  can"  I  tell  phat  kind  of  a  bird  it  was." 

"  Sure,  it's  aisy  enough  ter  find  out.  Say,  me  b'y,"  addressing  the  French- 
man, "phat  kind  of  a  bird  did  yer  make  that  soup  of  ?" 

Now  Louis,  though  he  comprehended  the  meaning  of  the  question,  could 
not  answer  it  in  English;  therefore  he  did  the  next  best  thing,  that  is, 
quickly  stepped  into  the  forehold  and  brought  out  the  "bird's"  skin,  which 
he  displayed  to  the  amazement  and  disgust  of  his  visitors. 

"  Howly  mither ! "  one  exclaimed  as  he  caught  sight  of  the  skin  and  the 
species  of  animal  which  had  figured  as  the  basis  of  the  soup  was  made  ap- 
parent to  him. 

"Dear  Jasus!"  shouted  another,  grabbing  his  dudeen  in  his  hand,  and 
turning  pale  ;  "the  dirty  haythen  has  been  feeding  us  with  a  cat." 

A  rush  was  now  made  for  the  deck,  and  never,  perhaps,  was  seen  a  group 
of  men  more  thoroughly  demoralized  and  sickened  than  these  now  unhappy 
Irishmen.  Each  one  seemed  as  intent  on  getting  rid  of  his  dinner  as  he 
had  been  to  eat  it,  while  poor  Louis,  the  innocent  cause  of  all  this  trouble, 
looked  on  in  wonder,  not  clearly  comprehending  the  situation,  and  hardly 
knowing  what  to  expect. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  describe  the  closing  scene  more  in  detail,  since  the 
imagination  can  best  fill  up  the  picture.  It  is  safe  to  say,  however,  that  the 
Frenchman's  cat  stew  has  never  been  forgotten  by  any  of  those  who  partook 
of  it,  the  particulars  of  which,  as  related  above,  were  told  the  writer  some 
years  later  by  the  principal  actor,  Louis,  himself. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


161 


[the  dory  "centennial 


Dory  Voyagers  Across  the  Atlantic. 

The  fact  that  three  Gloucester-built  dories  have  successfully  crossed  the 
ocean  in  recent  years  makes  it  fitting  that  some  reference  should  be  made 
to  such  voyaging  in  "  The  Fishermen's  Own  Book." 

A  little  boat  of  ten  tons  burthen  is  said  to  have  come  to  America  from 
the  mother  country  in  the  colonial  days,  while  of  the  fleet  of  Columbus  in 
1492  two  were  only  half-decked  over,  and  were  of  less  than  forty  tons 
burthen. 

The  first  man  to  cross  the  Atlantic  alone  was  Capt.  Josiah  Shackford,  a 
Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  seaman,  who  sailed  from  Bordeaux,  France,  in  1786,  in 
a  "cutter-built"  sloop  of  fifteen- tons,  accompanied  only  by  a  dog,  and  after 
a  passage  of  thirty-five  days  arrived  safely  at  Surinam,  South  America. 

June  15,  1864,  Capt.  John  Donovan  sailed  from  New  York  for  London 
in  a  brig-rigged  yawl-boat  called  the  Vision,  put  into  Boston  July  5,  leaking, 
repaired  and  set  sail  again,  was  spoken  July  20  and  supplied  with  provis- 
ions by  an  ocean  steamer,  and  was  never  afterwards  heard  from.  The  Vision 
was  16  feet  keel,  4  ft.  10  in.  beam,  2  ft.  9  in.  deep,  and  had  masts  19  ft. 
high,  spreading  50  yards  of  canvas. 

The  famous  little  Red,  White  and  Blue  sailed  from  New  York  July  9,  1866, 
and  made  the  trip  to  London  in  thirty-eight  days,  the  shortest  time  known 
to  dory  voyagers.  She  was  24  ft.  long,  5^  ft.  beam,  drawing  18  inches 
of  water  forward  and  20  inches  aft,  and  was  ship-rigged,  spreading  65  yards 


162  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

of  canvas.  Her  crew  consisted  of  Capt.  John  N.  Hudson,  Francis  E.  Fitch 
and  a  small  poodle. 

About  the  same  time  a  ten-ton  fishing  boat  is  said  to  have  made  the  pas- 
sage from  Penzance  to  Australia. 

In  1867  the  Nonpareil,  a  life-raft  constructed*  of  three  rubber  cylinders  25 
ft.  long  and  schooner-rigged,  sailed  from  Boston  June  4,  and  made  the  pas- 
sage to  Southampton  in  fifty-one  days.  She  had  three  men  on  board,  Capt. 
Mikes,  George  Miller  and  Henry  Lawson. 

The  same  month  the  John  T.  Ford,  a  schooner-rigged  boat  25  ft.  long, 
sailed  from  Baltimore  with  two  men  on  board,  but  capsized  off  Waterford, 
on  the  coast  of  Ireland.  The  captain  was  drowned,  but  the  other  man  was 
rescued  by  a  passing  vessel. 

The  City  of  Ragusa,  sloop-rigged,  19  ft.  long,  6%  ft.  wide  and  5^  ft.  deep, 
manned  by  an  Austrian  named  Primnaiz  and  an  Englishman  named  Hay- 
ter,  made  the  passage  from  Liverpool  to  Boston  in  ninety-eight  days,  in  the 
Summer  of  1870.  The  following  year  she  made  the  passage  from  New  York 
to  Queenstown  in  forty  days. 

Alfred  Johnsen,  a  Gloucester  fisherman  of  Danish  birth,  was  the  first 
man  to  cross  the  ocean  unaccompanied  even  by  a  dog.  His  dory,  the  Cen- 
tennial, was  built  in  this  city  by  Messrs.  Higgins  &  GifTord,  and  was  16  ft. 
keel,  20  ft.  over  all,  5^  ft.  wide  and  2^  ft.  deep,  decked  over  with  the 
exception  of  a  standing  room  and  hatchway,  sloop-rigged,  with  two  jibs, 
mainsail  and  square-sail.  The  Centennial  sailed  from  Gloucester  June  15, 
1876,  touched  at  Barrington,  N.  S.,  sailed  again  June  25,  and  arrived  safely 
at  Liverpool,  England,  Aug.  21,  sixty-seven  days  from  Gloucester.  Johnsen 
was  a  close  calculator,  and  his  log  gave  evidence  that  he  followed  the  gen- 
eral route  of  steamship  travel.  Aug.  2  his  boat  was  capsized  by  a  heavy 
sea,  but  he  managed  to  right  her.  Soon  after,  a  huge  shark  appeared  along- 
side, which  he  frightened  away  with  a  knife  fastened  to  a  pole. 

Another  dory,  the  Brittle,  Capt.  Madison,  attempted  to  make  the  voyage 
from  New  York  to  Liverpool  in  the  Summer  of  1876,  and  was  last  heard 
from  in  lat.  42,  long.  46,  where  she  was  spoken  by  the  ship  Beethoven.  The 
Brittle  was  16  ft.  keel,  clinker-built,  sloop-rigged  and  decked  over,  with  a 
small  hatchway  amidships. 

The  first  woman  to  cross  the  Atlantic  in  a  dory  made  the  perilous  passage 
in  1877.  On  May  28  of  that  year  Capt.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Crapo  set  sail 
from  New  Bedford  in  a  boat  19.55  ft*  'ong>  6.4  ft.  wide  and  3.16  ft.  deep, 
named  New  Bedford.  She  had  two  masts,  18  and  17  ft.  high  respectively, 
with  leg-of-mutton  sails.  She  made  the  passage  without  accident,  reaching 
Mount's  Bay,  near  Penzance,  in  forty-nine  days.  Capt.  Crapo  is  now  (1882) 
master  of  sch.  Adelia  Felicia  of  New  Bedford. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  163 

The  Nautilus  came  next.  She  was  also  built  by  Messrs.  Higgins  &  Gif- 
ford,  and  was  a  lap-streaked  dory  15  ft.  keel,  19  ft.  over  all,  6  ft.  7  in.  wide 
and  2  ft.  3  in.  deep.  She  was  manned  by  William  A.  and  Asa  W.  Andrews, 
brothers,  of  Beverly,  grandsons  of  the  late  Zebulon  Andrews  of  Essex,  and 
sailed  from  South  Boston  June  7,  1878.  Put  into  Beverly  and  sailed  again 
June  12,  made  Bishop's  Rock  Lighthouse  in  the  English  Channel  July  28, 
put  into  Mullion  Cove  July  31,  and  arrived  at  Havre,  France,  Aug.  8. 


[the  dory  "nautilus"  in  mid-ocean.] 

June  1,  1879,  Capt.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  G.  Goldsmith  sailed  from  Boston  for 
England  in  the  Uncle  Sam,  a  boat  18  ft.  over  all,  6  ft.  4  in.  beam  and  3  ft. 
2  in.  deep.  They  were  obliged  to  put  back,  sailed  again  June  5,  put  into 
Cape  Island,  N.  S.,  June  16,  arrived  at  Halifax,  N.  S.,  June  20,  touched  at 
Canso,  N.  S.,  July  4  and  Sydney,  C.  B.,  July  7,  arrived  at  St.  Johns,  N.  F., 
Aug.  7,  set  sail  again  Aug.  11,  were  disabled  in  a  gale  Aug.  16,  and  were 
taken  off  by  a  passing  ship  Aug.  19  and  landed  at  New  York. 

Capt.  Henry  Otto  of  Baltimore  had  a  boat  built  the  same  year  for  the 
purpose  of  making  a  voyage  to  Liverpool  and  Hamburg  and  back.  She 
was  18  ft.  long,  6  ft.  beam,  25  in.  deep  and  cat-rigged,  but  the  voyage  was 
probably  abandoned,  as  we  have  seen  no  account  of  Capt.  Otto  embarking 
from  port. 

Capt.  Herbert  F.  Burrill  of  Falmouth  and  Andrew  R.  Coan  of  Nantucket 
set  sail  from  Boston  July  9,  1879,  f°r  a  voyage  to  Australia  and  thence  to 
San  Francisco  in  the  Golden  Gate,  a  boat  19  ft.  long,  5  ft.  4  in.  wide  and  2 
ft.  6  in.  deep,  schooner-rigged  and  spreading  75  yards  of  canvas.  After 
meeting  with  many  misadventures  they  landed  at  a  little  fishing  village  on 
the  coast  of  Brazil,  and  were  sent  home  by  the  American  Consul  at  Bahia.. 


164 


FISHERMEN' S  OWN  BOOK. 


The  same  year  a  "sea-tramp"  sailed  from  New  York  to  Boston  "in  a 
cockle  shell  about  the  size  of  a  coffin,  being  forty-nine  days  on  the  passage." 
Two  Boston  architects  cruised  from  London  to  Constantinople  in  a  ten-ton 
yacht  named  Dorian. 

The  last  Gloucester-built  dory  to  cross  the  Atlantic  was  the  Little  Western, 
also  built  by  Messrs.  Higgins  &  Gifford.  She  was  16  ft.  7  in.  over  all,  13 
ft.  6  in.  keel,  6  ft.  8  in.  beam  and  2  ft.  6  in.  deep,  clinker-built,  cutter-rigged, 
and  spread  5 1  yards  of  canvas.  Manned  by  George  S.  Thomas  and  Fred. 
Norman.  She  sailed  from  Gloucester  June  12,  1880,  and  arrived  at  Cowes 
July  28,  forty-six  days  from  Gloucester.  She  sailed  from  London  June  14, 
188 1,  on  the  return  trip,  arrived  at  Port  Median,  C.  B.,  Aug.  28,  at  Halifax, 
N.  S.,  Sept.  2,  and  at  Gloucester  Sept.  15,  being  the  only  one  of  the  Glouc- 
ester-built dories  to  make  the  ocean  passage  both  ways. 

The  last  successful  venture  in  this  line  was  made  by  the  City  of  Bath,  a 
dory  14  ft.  long,  5  ft.  wide,  21  in.  deep,  decked  over  and  sloop-rigged,  built 
at  Georgetown,  Me.  She  was  manned  by  John  Traynor,  Ivar  Olsen  and  a 
kitten,  sailed  from  Bath,  Me.,  July  5,  188 1,  put  into  Trespassey,  N.  F., 
sailed  again,  arrived  at  Falmouth,  England,  Aug.  24,  fifty  days  from  Bath, 
and  proceeded  to  Havre. 

Another  boat  was  built  for  an  ocean  venture  last  year,  but  we  have  seen 
no  account  of  her  voyage.  She  was  19  ft.  keel,  5  ft.  beam,  13  in.  draught, 
brig-rigged,  and  was  to  sail  from  New  York,  manned  by  Charles  Moore  and 
Benjamin  Radford.     Her  name  was  William  H.  Grace. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  165 


[From  Report  of  Commissioner  of  Fish  and  Fisheries?^ 

Life  on  Board  a  Mackerel  Catcher— Mackerel  Catching 
with  the  Purse-Seine, 


Norwegian  Commissioner  to  the  Centennial  Exhibition  at  Philadelphia. 

After  having  waited  some  time  for  an  opportunity  to  go  to  sea,  to  witness 
the  business  out  there,  I  succeeded  in  getting  a  promise  of  a  place  on  board 
the  sch.  William  S.  Baker,  Captain  A.  K.  Pearce.  It  was  an  old  vessel,  but 
a  good  sailer,  and  the  captain  was  recommended  to  me  as  an  experienced, 
enlightened,  and  generous  man,  who  would  take  much  interest  in  communi- 
cating to  me  all  the  information  he  could  give.  He  had  carried  on  the 
herring  fishing  at  Labrador,  halibut  fishing  off  the  west  coast  of  Greenland, 
and  was  now  determined  to  prosecute  mackerel  fishing  in  the  sea  north  of 
Boston. 

Late  on  a  rainy  evening  I  was  informed  that  the  vessel  was  now  ready  to 
sail,  in  Gloucester  Harbor,  and  that  I  could  come  on  board.  Neither  the 
weather  nor  the  vessel  particularly  invited  one  out  in  the  dark,  foggy  night. 
But  after  being  shown  a  tolerably  good  bunk  astern,  where  besides  myself 
four  of  the  crew  had  quarters,  I  soon  found  myself  adjusted  and  anxious  to 
get  under  sail.  Early  in  the  morning  we  cast  loose  and  the  vessel  hauled 
out  into  the  channel.  But  the  wind  was  still ;  we  could  make  no  headway. 
While  we  waited  for  the  wind  a  portion  of  the  crew  passed  away  the  time 
by  taking  a  bath  and  swimming  out  into  the  deep.  Their  invitation  to  me 
to  swim  a  race  with  them  I  was  in  the  notion  of  accepting,  when  the  signal 
was  given  to  make  sail  and  get  under  way.  All  came  on  board,  took  off 
their  swimming  clothes,  put  on  dry  clothes,  and  caught  hold  at  the  anchor- 
breaking  and  later  at  the  hauling  out,  so  that  it  was  a  pleasure  to  see  them. 
The  brutal  execution  of  discipline,  so  often  censured  on  American  merchant- 
ships,  did  not  exist  on  board  here.  The  whole  crew  were  native  Americans, 
active  and  experienced  fishermen.  They  associated  with  one  another  with 
good-will,  eating  at  a  common  table  to  us  all,  and  carried  on  their  work 
with  mutual  satisfaction.  Neither  beer  nor  whisky  is  found  on  board  ;  but 
warm  coffee  and  tea  can  be  had  from  five  in  the  morning  to  six  o'clock  in 
the  evening.  In  other  respects  the  victuals  were  good  and  nourishing,  con- 
sisting mostly  of  beef,  pork,  all  kinds  of  fresh  fish,  different  kinds  of  pie  and 
pudding,  sometimes  vegetables,  with  eggs  occasionally ;  in  short,  about  as 


166  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

in  a  frugal  municipal  family  in  Norway.  The  men  were  not  hired,  but  had 
half  the  weight  or  a  half  share  of  the  profits,  which  were  calculated  after  the 
expenses  of  salting,  packing,  barrels,  &c,  were  deducted.  The  cook,  who 
besides  the  usual  work  in  catching  had  to  prepare  the  meals,  got  besides 
for  his  part  $27.30  per  month.  The  trip  just  ended  had  been  made  in  three 
weeks,  and  had  yielded  a  profit  of  a  little  over  $81.90  net  per  man,  which 
is  considered  a  very  good  trip.  The  crew  in  herring  fishing,  on  the  con- 
trary, is  generally  hired.  They  ship  at  $10.92  to  $13.65  per  month  for 
boys ;  $32.76  to  $40.95  for  able-bodied  fishermen. 

After  being  under  sail  a  couple  of  days  we  saw  a  whole  fleet  of  mackerel 
schooners.  There  were  between  eighty  and  ninety  sail,  some  of  which  had 
made  a  light  catch.  We  passed  some  steamers  which  carried  on  menhaden 
fishing,  and  which  went  into  port  every  evening  to  unload.  These  vessels 
were  quite  recognizable  by  this,  that  they  had  two  men  on  the  lookout  in 
the  cross-trees,  on  the  foremast,  and  the  rest  in  boats  prepared  for  fishing. 
Among  other  sail  we  passed  also  an  old-fashioned  French-rigged  vessel, 
which  carried  on  mackerel  fishing  with  trolling  lines  ;  the  vessel  was  belayed 
and  went  before  the  wind.  A  crew  of  ten  men  stood  to  leeward,  and  each 
man  with  at  least  two  hand-lines,  which  he  incessantly  cast  out  and  hauled 
in,  while  two  men  ground  bait  (in  a  hand-mill)  and  threw  out  "chum."  The 
catch  was  poor,  and  the  mode  of  catching,  itself,  most  fishermen  had  given  up 
for  capture  with  purse-seines,  which  have  superseded  all  other  implements. 

While  crossing  back  and  forth  we  often  saw  mackerel  schools  playing  in 
the  water,  but  they  vanished  suddenly.  The  folks  told  me  that  one  could 
smell  mackerel  as  well  as  menhaden  when  the  large  schools  of  fish  were  in 
the  water.  I  entertained  doubt  of  the  truth  of  the  information,  but  in  the 
following  week  I  became  perfectly  convinced  of  its  authenticity.  Early  one 
morning  one  of  the  crew  said  that  he  smelt  menhaden,  and  went  immediate- 
ly aloft  on  the  foremast  to  discover  the  school.  A  half  hour  later  we  saw  a 
school  playing  on  the  surface  of  the  water ;  it  was  large  mackerel.  In  haste 
everything  was  made  ready ;  the  purse-seine,  which  lay  on  the  after  hatch 
coiled  up  in  a  bundle  and  wet  with  brine  (to  prevent  rotting),  was  quickly 
flung  down  in  the  seine-boat,  which  was  kept  constantly  in  tow ;  next,  two 
small  boats  set  out,  so-called  "dories,"  flat-bottomed,  light-rowing  boats, 
half  "sjcegte"  and  half  lighter.  These  are  said  to  be  the  best  fishing-boats 
known.  When  all  was  ready  I  leaped  down  into  the  boat,  and  away  it 
went.  After  a  half-hour's  rowing  the  seine-boss  found  that  the  time  had 
come  to  row  in  on  a  large  school,  which  played  quite  delightfully.  In  three 
minutes  the  seine,  of  about  250  fathoms,  was  rowed  out  and  cast  in  a  circle 
around  the  school.  After  ten  minutes  more  the  seine  was  pursed,  and  in  it 
they  estimated  that  they  had  caught  300  barrels  of  mackerel.  A  dory  was 
sent  with  a  message  on  board  the  schooner,  which  was  managed  by  the  cap- 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  167 

tain  and  a  small  boy ;  after  a  little  maneuvering  the  schooner  sailed  close 
to  the  seine,  got  a  portion  of  the  cork-line  on  board,  so  that  the  catch  was 
brought  between  the  vessel's  side  and  the  seine  boat.  A  large  dip-net,  with 
tackle  and  a  long  handle,  was  made  ready,  and  in  a  few  minutes  the  living 
mackerel  were  thrown  upon  the  deck  by  the  half-barrel.  The  captured  fish 
in  the  seine  became,  in  the  mean  time,  very  uneasy,  and  rushed  from  one 
side  of  the  seine  to  the  other ;  suddenly  the  seine  burst  in  many  places ; 
they  sought  to  haul  in  the  seine,  both  in  the  boats  and  on  board,  and  after 
much  trouble  they  succeeded  in  retaining  and  heaving  on  board  a  total  of 
about  50  barrels.  The  rest  of  the  mackerel  escaped  through  the  large  holes 
in  the  seine. 

As  soon  as  the  catch  was  secured  on  board  they  took  in  all  sail  and  be- 
gan on  the  preservation  of  the  mackerel.  With  small  dip-nets  the  fish  were 
thrown  in  a  square  trough,  and  from  this,  as  they  were  cut  and  washed,  they 
were  assorted  according  to  size.  The  fish  was  split  or  cut  in  the  belly  (?) 
about  as  cod  which  are  manufactured  into  split  fish.  While  sprinkling  them 
with  salt  they  give  them  some  slight  cuts  in  the  back  to  make  the  flesh  swell 
and  give  the  fish  a  fatter  and  fuller  appearance.  This  is  a  trick  which  both 
the  sellers  and  buyers  understand.  Twelve  men  are  engaged  at  a  time  with 
the  salting,  while  the  remaining  two  men  examine  and  repair  the  seine.  In 
the  space  of  two  and  a  half  hours  47  barrels  stood  ready  salted.  For  every 
four  barrels  of  fish  was  required  one  barrel  of  Liverpool  salt,  the  packing 
being  done  later  on  shore. 

The  next  morning  at  6  o'clock  we  were  again  in  the  boats,  made  a  new 
cast,  but  caught  nothing.  At  8  o'clock  we  were  again  out,  went  half  way 
round  with  the  seine,  when  the  whole  school  sank  to  the  bottom.  We  caught 
nothing.  The  mackerel  were  wild  and  shy,  played  a  little  at  the  surface  of 
the  water,  but  vanished  quickly,  to  emerge  again  farther  away.  The  mack- 
erel schools  were  very  large  this  day ;  for  as  far  as  we  could  see  on  all  sides 
they  were  playing  on  the  surface  of  the  water.  We  made  no  catch  notwith- 
standing. The  captain's  attempt  to  entice  the  school  with  "chum"  also 
failed.  At  11  o'clock  we  again  made  a  cast,  but  took  only  eight  mackerel. 
At  2  o'clock,  P.  M.,  we  made  the  fourth  cast  and  got  a  couple  of  barrels ; 
at  4  o'clock,  another  cast,  and  took  10  barrels,  but  small  mackerel  j  and  at 
6  o'clock  we  made  another,  but  got  almost  nothing  save  small  fish.  This 
was  a  laborious  day ;  but,  notwithstanding,  we  were  the  next  day,  at  5.30  in 
the  morning,  again  in  the  boat,  made  a  cast,  but  simultaneously  the  school 
turned  around  and  made  their  escape.  We  saw  many  schools  also  this  day, 
and  at  6.30  we  were  again  on  the  way  after  one.  This  time  we  were  suc- 
cessful. They  estimated  the  catch  in  the  seine  at  400  to  500  barrels.  They 
were  very  large  and  fat  mackerel.  After  some  trouble,  the  vessel  sailed  to 
us,  got  a  portion  of  the  seine  on  board,  and  the  taking  in  the  fish  was  about 


1 68 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


to  begin.  But  the  fish  were  very  uneasy  in  the  seine ;  sunk  to  the  bottom 
with  such  force  that  the  boat  was  on  the  point  of  capsizing,  although  we 
placed  eight  men  on  the  other  gunwale  to  counterbalance  the  mackerel.  At 
one  time  all  went  smoothly  enough  to  haul  in  on  the  seine  and  make  the 
purse  smaller  and  smaller  to  prevent  the  frantic  rushing  of  the  mackerel. 
But  suddenly  they  sank  again  to  the  bottom,  careened  the  boat  over  so  that 
we  took  in  a  quantity  of  water.  We  were  scarcely  ready  to  place  ourselves 
on  the  other  gunwale  when  we  felt  that  the  boat  suddenly  righted  itself  and 
lay  still.  The  most  knew  what  had  happened  ;  it  was  that  the  mackerel 
succeeded  in  breaking  the  old  seine.  Through  a  large  hole,  which  became 
larger  and  larger,  about  the  whole  school  escaped ;  and  although  we  in  all 
haste  hauled  in  on  the  fragments  and  tried  to  form  a  new  purse,  we  suc- 
ceeded in  saving  not  more  than  5  in  the  whole  500  barrels. 

At  9.15  we  set  sail  for  the  nearest  port;  it  was  considered  useless  to  at- 
tempt to  mend  the  more  than  half  worn-out  seine.  After  a  day's  quick  sail- 
ing, we  reached  Boothbay  in  the  evening.  In  the  harbor  lay  a  schooner 
just  arrived,  which  was  filled  to  the  rail  with  fresh-caught  mackerel.  The 
crew  worked  the  whole  night  in  preserving  them.  With  resignation  our 
crew  saw  this  work.  Had  we  had  a  better  seine,  we  would  also  have  had 
remunerative  night-work  in  salting  some  hundreds  of  barrels  of  mackerel. 
The  next  morning  I  left  the  vessel,  to  return  to  Gloucester  by  steamer  and 
railroad. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


169 


The  Merry,  Merry  Mackerel  Catchers, 


BY   JACOB    S.  LORD. 


Then  it's  laugh,  "Ha!  ha! "  and  shout,  "Hur- 
rah!" 

We  are  bound  for  the  coast  of  Maine ; 
Our  hold  is  well  stored  with  salt  and  food, 

In  the  boat  we've  a  fine  new  seine. 

The  sun  goes  down  as  we  round  Eastern 
Point— 

For  Monhegan  our  course  is  laid ; 
The  watch  is  set- -the  pipes  are  lit, 

And  a  game  of  cards  is  played; 

A  lively  lad  has  a  song  to  sing ; 

Uncle  Ben  has  a  yarn  to  spin ; 
So  pleasantly  passes  the  time  away 

Till  eight  bells,  when  all  turn  in, 

Except  the  lonely  watch  on  deck, 
Whose  measured  tramp  is  heard 

As  smoothly  o'er  the  water  skims 
Our  vessel  like  a  wild  sea-bird. 

It  is  break  of  day — the  sun  peeps  up, 

The  morning's  clear  and  cool, 
Aloft  the  lookout  makes  his  way, 

To  sight  the  early  school. 

He  espies  the  fleet— they  are  dead  ahead— 

And  right  lustily  does  he  shout 
To  the  skipper,  who  nervously  walks  the 
deck, 

"  Yes,  yes,  the  boats  are  out." 

Now  all  is  life  on  the  schooner's  deck, 
As  she  ploughs  thro'  the  sparkling  brine; 


Her  crew  in  oiled  clothes  anxiously  wait 
For  a  chance  to  wet  the  twine. 

"A  school!  a  school!"  from  the  foremast- 
head 

Is  the  lookout's  exciting  call ; 
"  On  the  weather  bow !  it's  showing  red, 

Can't  say  if  it's  large  or  small." 

"  Come  down  from  aloft !  haul  up  the  boat ! 

Out  with  the  dory,  tumble  up  here,  cook ! 
Work  lively,  lads — yes,  cast  her  off, 

Pull  out,  and  we'll  have  a  look. 

Hold !  way  enough ;  ah,  there  they  rise- 
Good  fish !  I  should  say  they  were  fine ; 

Now  gently  start  her  ahead,  my  boys, 
Quick,  seine-master,  give  them  twine ! 

Pull  hard,  my  men !  now  bend  your  backs ! 

Lively!  over  with  the  corks,  my  friend; 
That's  way  enough — take  on  your  oars, 

Pass  along  the  dory's  end ; 

Jump  to  the  purse-line,  one  and  all, 
Give  a  long,  strong  and  a  steady  pull ; 

The  rings  are  up — yes,  take  them  on ; 
By  Jove  1  I  believe  she's  full." 

And  so  it  proved — of  number  twos, 

Right  cheerily  did  we  bail 
Till  the  skipper  cries,  "  We've  got  enough, 

She's  full  from  rail  to  rail." 

All  night  we  worked  at  split  and  gib, 
Next  day  they  were  salted  down. 

As  the  sun  sank  low  in  the  ruddy  west, 
We  made  sail  for  Gloucester  town. 


170  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Saving  the  Cable. 

BY   DICK   SKYLIGHT. 

One  of  the  chief  dangers  to  which  a  vessel  at  anchor  on  the  Banks  is  lia- 
ble, is  that  of  having  another  vessel  drift  across  her  bow  during  a  gale.  If 
this  should  happen  there  is  little  probability  of  either  of  them  escaping  de- 
struction. We  had  such  an  experience  in  the  "gully"  between  Banquereau 
and  Sable  Island,  on  the  23d  of  June,  1877.  The  wind,  which  had  blown 
fresh  all  day,  increased  towards  sunset,  and  there  was  a  sharp  combing  sea 
running.  We  paid  out  all  our  cable  and  cleared  up  things  on  deck.  Just 
as  it  was  growing  dark  I  saw  the  Lizzie — which  was  lying  directly  ahead 
of  us — break  adrift  and  fall  off  broadside  to  the  wind  and  sea. 

At  first  I  thought  her  crew  would  heave  in  her  cable  and  set  sail  to  clear 
us,  but  as  she  kept  drifting  and  had  no  riding-light  up,  I  was  reluctantly 
forced  to  the  conclusion  that  the  watch  on  board  of  her  was  asleep.  If  that 
was  the  case,  the  only  thing  to  do  in  order  to  avoid  a  collision  was  to  cut 
our  cable  and  go  adrift  too,  unless  we  could  sheer  our  vessel  away  from  her 
path.  The  tide  was  running  to  leeward,  so  that  we  had  some  command 
over  our  vessel  with  the  helm ;  one  man  was,  therefore,  stationed  at  the 
wheel  ready  for  action ;  the  jib  was  cut  loose,  and  a  rope  taken  from  the 
clew  to  each  bow,  so  that  we  could  sheer  the  vessel  either  way,  as  the  case 
should  demand.  When  the  drifting  vessel  was  about  two  hundred  feet  dis- 
tant, she  was  driving  right  athwart  our  hawse,  so  that  our  jib-boom  pointed 
straight  between  her  masts.  We  had  previously  fired  our  gun  several  times  ; 
but  as  there  was  no  sign  of  life  on  board  of  her,  the  moment  to  try  our  plan 
had  arrived.  While  I  stood  ready  with  the  axe  to  cut  the  cable  in  case  of 
a  failure,  the  wheel  was  quickly  put  hard-a-starboard,  the  jib  run  up  and 
hauled  well  over  on  the  starboard  bow,  so  that  it  caught  aback,  and  our  ves- 
sel slowly  sheered  to  port,  while  we  held  our  breath  in  suspense.  The  ma- 
noeuvre succeeded  very  well  indeed,  for  we  passed  around  her  stern  with- 
out striking.  It  was  a  close  shave  though,  for  her  main-boom  cleared  our 
rigging  by  only  a  few  feet.  The  quietness  and  good  order  that  our  crew 
had  observed,  while  danger  threatened  and  discipline  was  necessary,  were 
now  broken  by  a  general  yell,  which  brought  the  other  crew  on  deck,  bare- 
headed and  stocking-footed,  to  receive,  from  my  justly  indignant  men,  some 
remarks  and  advice  that  were  certainly  forcible  if  not  polite.  But  we  saved 
our  cable,  and,  as  a  consequence,  could  continue  fishing,  and  therefore  felt 
thankful  that  nothing  worse  had  happened. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


171 


[model  of  a  georgesman,  1882.] 


A  Summer  Trip  to  Georges. 


BY   WALTER    HILL. 


Outward  Bound — Soundings — Lively  Work- 
— A  Good  Fare — Homeward  Bound. 


-Pulling  in  the  Cod  and  Halibut 


As  our  bait  is  iced,  and  we  are  all  ready  for  a  start,  you  had  better  jump 
on  board  and  take  a  trip  with  us.  We  hoist  mainsail  and  foresail,  trip  the 
anchor,  fill  away  the  jib,  and  stand  out  of  Gloucester  Harbor.  That  little 
island  with  the  lighthouse  on  it,  which  we  are  leaving  on  the  port  or  left 
hand  side,  is  Ten  Pound  Island,  outside  of  which  is  the  outer  anchorage, 
and  still  beyond  is  Eastern  Point,  also  on  the  port  hand,  on  which  you  ob- 
serve is  another  lighthouse.  To  the  westward  of  us  the  land  stretches  away 
to  Salem  and  Marblehead.  Now  turn  and  look  at  the  scene  we  are  leaving. 
Beautiful,  is  it  not  ?  The  city  of  Gloucester  is  stretched  out  like  a  panora- 
ma. The  City  Hall,  a  noble  building,  and  the  church  steeples,  are  the  most 
prominent  features ;  not  forgetting  the  Pavilion  Hotel  on  the  beach.  The 
innumerable  fishing  schooners,  standing  in  all  directions  with  their  snow- 
white  cotton  sails,  give  an  animation  to  the  scene  not  often  equalled.  Away 
on  the  starboard  quarter  you  may  catch  glimpses  of  the  high-road  to  Mag- 
nolia and  Salem. 

And  now,  with  a  freshening  breeze,  the  sun  dipping  to  the  westward,  and 
the  land  gradually  fading  behind  us,  we  are  bowling  off  with  our  head  east- 
southeast  for  Georges.     There'll  be  fish  on  deck  before  to-morrow  night  if 


172  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

the  wind  holds  good  and  fortune  favors  us — that  is,  if  you  don't  turn  out  to 
be  a  Jonah !  Fishermen  are  pretty  superstitious,  and  have  a  great  belief  in 
Jonahs.  Should  it  unfortunately  happen  that  we  do  not  make  a  good  trip 
this  time,  being  a  green  hand,  you  will  surely  be  dubbed  a  Jonah.  However, 
greenhorns  are  generally  assumed  to  be  lucky  till  the  contrary  is  proved ; 
which  will  explain  to  you  the  suaviter  in  modo  with  which  they  seem  to  treat 
you.  But  there  is  the  cook  blowing  his  whistle  to  call  us  to  supper ;  so  we 
will  go  down  and  make  a  "square  meal,"  and  then  prepare  for  a  nap. 

"  Hallo,  there !  rouse  out,  old  boy ;  do  you  calculate  on  sleeping  all  day  ? 
The  whistle  went  for  breakfast  long  since,  and  the  old  cook  will  be  clearing 
the  table  off  if  you  don't  soon  put  in  an  appearance."  Make  a  good  break- 
fast, and  no  signs  of  the  landsman's  malady  yet.  "Glad  to  hear  it;  you're 
quite  a  Trojan." 

We  have  carried  a  spanking  breeze  all  night,  and  have  come  about  sixty- 
five  miles  since  we  started.  Suppose  we  round  her  to  and  get  a  cast  of  the- 
lead ;  one  hundred  and  twenty  fathoms  of  line  out,  and  no  bottom.  We'll 
stand  along  a  while  longer.  Meanwhile,  I'll  rig  a  line  for  you  to  fish  with. 
We  use  two  hooks  to  each  line  with  a  snood  of  about  one  and  a  half  fath- 
oms to  each  hook,  depending  from  the  bottom  of  the  lead.  Having  got  a 
basket  of  bait  up  from  the  hold,  we'll  take  another  sound ;  seventy-five  fath- 
oms, hard  bottom ;  we'll  have  a  try  here,  lads.  Down  go  the  lines,  and, 
bye-and-bye,  Tom  commences  hauling.  "  What  have  you  got  on,  Tom  ?  A 
snapper  (a  small  .codfish),  I  guess,  I've  got  something  small  on,  too." 
They're  too  small  here  to  pay  us,  so  we'll  go  further  for  a  field.  My  olfac- 
tories inform  me  that  the  cook  is  progressing  favorably ;  so  we  will  have 
dinner  before  sounding  again.  I  don't  want  to  make  any  invidious  remarks, 
but  the  sea  air  seems  to  act  magically  on  our  appetites.  Now  for  another 
sound  ;  sixty  fathoms — that's  better.  "  By  Jove  !  that  jerk  was  from  no 
small  fish.  There,  he  smells  around  again.  Aha !  I've  captured  you  this 
time,  old  boy."  Hallo !  Tom,  Harry,  Dick,  all  hauling  as  if  for  a  wager. 
Bear  a  hand,  boys,  and  heave  that  anchor  off  the  bow  before  she  drifts  away 
from  the  "school."  We're  on  fish  this  time,  and  no  mistake.  Let  her  have 
a  good  scope  of  cable,  and  furl  the  sails.     There  !  we  are  all  snug. 

And  now,  gentle  reader,  whoever  you  may  be,  for  whom  I  rigged  that  line, 
you  may  take  the  next  berth  alongside  of  me  and  try  your  luck.  Heave 
over  your  snoods  with  the  baited  hook  first,  and  then  the  lead,  taking  care 
that  the  snoods  go  down  clear,  as  on  that  depends  whether  you  haul  up  one 
fish  or  a  pair.  Hold  the  line  in  check  a  little,  as  it  runs  down,  or  the  tide 
will  run  it  out  in  a  bite,  and  it  will  foul  the  other  lines  coming  up  with  fish 
on  them ;  and  then  you'll  get — anything  but  blessings.  Directly  you  feel 
your  lead  strike  bottom,  haul  back  a  little,  so  as  to  leave  the  hooks  dang- 
ling at  or  near  the  bottom.     That's  very  well ;  watch  the  rest  and  you'll 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


*73 


soon  get  initiated.  There  !  you  have  got  a  bite,  and  a  good  one,  too  ;  haul 
steadily  away,  you'll  find  sixty  fathoms  a  long  haul,  but  that  won't  trouble 
you  after  a  day  or  so.  He's  alongside,  take  him  aboard  with  the  gaff.  I've 
got  a  pair  coming,  too.  That  won't  do,  however  ;  your  hands  will  soon  get 
torn  and  scratched  if  you  try  to  unhook  the  fish  before  killing  him.  Hit 
him  on  the  head  with  a  short  stick  the  first  thing  after  you  get  him  on  deck. 
There's  a  knack,  too,  in  unhooking ;  see  how  easy  it  comes  to  me — a  twist 
and  a  jerk,  and  it's  all  done.  Faster  and  faster  the  fish  begin  to  come ; 
everybody  working  like  beavers ;  the  fish  hooking  themselves  as  fast  as  the 
lines  reach  the  bottom.  What  a  scene  of  animation  !  Some  gaffing  in  fish, 
others  killing,  some  unhooking,  and  others,  again,  clearing  a  foul.  H-s-s, 
h-s-s,  see  your  lines !  By  Jove !  my  boy,  you've  got  a  halibut  on.  Easy 
now.  That  fish  is  worth  a  five-dollar  bill  to  you  if  you  get  him  up.  There 
he  snubs — give  him  line — don't  hold  him  too  hard,  or  he  will  break  the 
gear.  He  is  beginning  to  stay  his  downward  course — hold  him.  Now  he 
runs  up  ;  take  in  the  line  smartly,  or  he  may  unhook  himself.  H-s-s,  h-s-s, 
he's  taking  another  downward  dive  and  making  the  line  smoke  again.  Stand 
by  to  haul  him  away,  as  he  tires.     Up  he  runs  again.     Keep  him  well  in 


[got  a  halibut  on.] 


hand  now ;  stand  by  with  gaffs,  here,  two  or  three  hands.  There  he  heaves 
in  sight.  A  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounder,  at  least.  Stick  the  gaffs  in  his 
head,  and  be  sure  to  get  a  good  hold.  Now,  then,  yeo !  heave-ho!  all  to- 
gether !  up  with  his  flat  lordship.  Slap,  oh !  he  falls  on  deck,  and  such  a 
floundering,  thrashing  time  of  it  you  never  saw.  Hit  him  a  tap  or  two  with 
the  killer  just  over  the  nose.  That  quiets  him.  Now  get  him  away  clear 
of  the  gear,  and  heave  your  lucky  line  over  again. 


i74  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Thus  we  go  till  near  nightfall,  when  we  haul  in  lines  and  dress  the  fish 
secured.  Two  gangs  form  to  dress  down,  one  on  each  side  of  the  vessel. 
One  man  pitches  the  fish  along  into  the  tub  for  dressing ;  the  next  cuts  off 
the  head  and  slits  the  fish  down  the  belly ;  a  third  takes  out  the  gut  and 
deposits  the  liver  in  a  basket  by  his  side;  while  a  fourth  "splits"  the  fish 
and  takes  out  the  backbone  ;  and  from  his  hand  it  goes  into  a  tub  of  water, 
and  thence  into  the  hold  of  the  Salter.  The  halibut  are  then  gutted  and  put 
into  the  ice-house,  as  they  have  to  be  kept  fresh.  We've  got,  to-day,  about 
1,000  pounds  weight  of  halibut  and  3,000  pounds  weight  of  codfish — a  very 
good  day's  work,  considering  it  was  dinner-time  when  we  struck  fish.  A 
week  of  this  fishing,  and  we  shall  use  up  all  our  bait ;  but  then,  it  is  seldom 
fish  stay  in  one  place  so  long  in  Summer  time. 

It  is  now  ten  days  since  we  got  on  the  Bank,  and,  although  we  did  not 
keep  the  first  "school"  round  us  more  than  three  or  four  days,  we  have  been 
fortunate  enough  to  strike  them  again  since,  and  have  made  a  rousing  trip, 
after  all— about  35,000  pounds  weight  of  salt  codfish  and  4,000  pound  weights 
of  halibut.  The  crew  will  make  about  fifty  dollars  apiece  on  an  average — 
not  a  bad  fortnight's  work.  As  the  wind  is  fair,  I  think  we  may  put  her 
head  for  Gloucester.  Things  don't  always  go  so  smoothly  as  they  have  this 
trip,  however ;  and  sometimes  we  beat  about  for  days  without  meeting  with 
anything. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  175 


Rob's  First  Cruise. 

BY    S.    G.    D. 

It  was  an  event  of  importance  when  John  Wayne  bought  the  Phillis  with 
the  accumulated  savings  of  many  years,  and  began  to  go  master  of  his  own 
vessel.  He  and  his  wife  Margery  had  discussed  the  matter  many  times  and 
weighed  the  pros  and  cons  carefully  before  the  purchase  was  completed. 
And  when  the  bargain  was  fully  concluded,  and  the  Phillis  was  brought 
round  to  the  little  cove  before  the  cottage  door,  the  repairing  and  painting 
and  outfitting  of  the  Phillis  was  a  topic  of  ever  fresh  and  all-absorbing  in- 
terest to  John  and  Margery,  and  Rob  and  little  Ran ;  and  the  fishermen  at 
the  cove,  and  all  the  boys  in  the  region  roundabout  came  by  twos  and 
threes  to  critically  inspect  and  comment  on  John  Wayne's  craft. 

Proudest  of  all  was  Rob.  "Father  '11  go  skipper  now,"  he  remarked  glee- 
fully. "I'll  tell  you  what,  I  shall  be  skipper  a  good  part  of  the  time 
when  I  play  with  the  cove  boys,  that  is,  if  I  play  with  them  any  more  now. 
I  think  I  am  big  enough  to  leave  school  and  go  cook.  Can't  I  go,  father  ? 
I  shall  be  thirteen  next  Spring,  you  know,  and  I  have  got  to  the  Rule  of 
Three  in  arithmetic." 

John  Wayne  thought,  however,  it  would  be  wiser  for  Rob  to  keep  on  at 
his  ciphering  awhile  longer,  and  when  the  long  Summer  vacation  came,  he 
should  go  two  or  three  trips  and  see  how  he  liked  fishing.  But  he  must 
learn  a  little  about  cooking  first.     And  with  that  Rob  had  to  be  content. 

Did  ever  the  weeks  of  a  term  of  school  before  stretch  out  so  endlessly  ? 
Long  before  vacation  came  Rob  had  become  quite  an  adept  in  the  making 
of  bread  and  molasses  short-cake,  and  in  the  preparation  of  various  dishes 
adapted  to  the  menu  of  a  Galilee  fisherman.  But,  as  an  end  comes  to  all 
terrestrial  things,  tedious  howsoever  they  may  be,  so  there  came  a  blissful 
day  when  Rob  danced  home  with  his  books,  too  happy  to  walk  soberly,  now 
that  the  vacation  had  really  come.  And  for  once  he  was  in  great  luck ;  for 
the  Phillis  was  in  and  would  be  ready  to  sail  for  the  fishing  ground  the  first 
of  the  following  week. 

What  a  perfect  Summer  morning  it  was  when  Rob  proudly  sailed  away  on 
his  first  cruise  just  as  the  rays  of  the  rising  sun  illumined  the  sparkling  sea. 
Margery  fondly  looked  after  her  boy  so  gaily  swinging  his  hat,  and  her  hus- 
band standing  at  the  tiller,  till  she  could  distinguish  them  no  longer,  and 
then  she  watched  the  Phillis  till  it  was  a  mere  speck  on  the  blue  waters  of 
the  bay.     And  when  she  turned  to  her  morning  tasks  how  still  and  lonely 


176 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


GETTING  THE    "PHILLIS"    READY   FOR   THE   SEASON'S   WORK. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  177 

the  house  seemed  now  that  her  noisy  boy  was  no  longer  in  it.  Little  Ran 
was  still  quietly  sleeping,  and  it  would  be  perhaps  two  or  three  hours  before 
he  would  wake  and  want  his  breakfast.  Margery  sat  down  to  do  a  few  rows 
on  her  net,  but  the  stillness  was  so  oppressive  that  it  presently  became  un- 
bearable, and  she  arose  and  went  out  to  work  awhile  in  her  garden,  in  the 
dewy  freshness  and  coolness  of  the  morning. 

Bye-and-bye  she  heard  Ran's  voice  at  the  open  window.  "Where  is  Wob  ? " 
he  asked. 

"  Rob  has  gone  with  papa  in  the  Phillis.  Don't  you  remember  he  carried 
his  clothes  aboard  last  night  ?  He  got  up  very  early  and  went  away  while 
you  were  fast  asleep." 

•'I  want  Wob !"  was  the  response,  with  a  gush  of  tears. 

Margery's  heart  echoed  the  cry  as  she  went  in  to  console  her  little  one 
and  to  get  him  his  breakfast  of  bread  and  milk.  The  day  was  long  for 
Margery,  and  long  for  little  Ran,  who  missed  his  playmate.  And  when  he 
went  to  bed  he  asked,  "Will  Wob  turn  in  the  night?"  And  in  the  morning 
the  first  question  was,  "Will  Wob  turn  to-day?"  And  the  questions  were 
daily  asked,  morning  and  night,  during  Rob's  absence. 

The  days  went  by  one  after  another,  till  a  fortnight  had  passed,  and  it 
was  time  to  look  for  the  Phillis.  And  Margery,  sitting  at  her  net,  or  chat- 
ting with  some  neighbor  who  had  come  in,  often  looked  out  on  the  bay, 
hoping  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  a  white  sail  that  was  dearer  to  her  than  all  the 
other  white  sails  flitting  to  and  fro  on  the  broad  blue  sea. 

There  came  a  day  when  the  Summer  sun  shone  fiercely  down  on  a  parched 
earth.  All  the  morning  there  was  an  ominous  stillness  in  the  air.  There 
was  no  note  of  bird  or  sound  of  insect,  and  even  the  waters  for  once  seemed 
hushed  into  absolute  silence.  When  Margery  had  finished  her  midday 
meal,  she  went  to  the  door  and  sent  a  sweeping  glance  over  the  darkening 
waters.  She  saw  a  sail — yes,  it  was  the  sail  she  longed  to  see.  But  what 
a  lurid  light  filled  the  air,  and  what  threatening  clouds  were  piling  up  in 
great  masses  towards  the  zenith.     "O  if  they  were  but  here,"  she  sighed. 

The  storm  broke  long  before  the  craft  Margery's  eyes  so  eagerly  watched 
could  reach  a  haven.  How  the  lightning  flashed,  and  the  thunder  roared, 
and  the  wind  swept  round  the  little  house  on  the  headland  !  How  the  rain 
poured  in  a  blinding  sheet,  that  shut  out  from  Margery's  sight  the  vessel  on 
the  tossing  billows  of  the  bay !  She  drew  back  from  the  window,  and  clasp- 
ing closely  Ran  in  her  arms,  she  waited  for  the  power  of  the  tempest  to  be 
spent.  Hours  passed  by,  but  still  the  wind  blew  a  gale,  and  the  rain  fell  in 
torrents,  when  the  shades  of  night  gathered,  and  darkness  covered  the  face 
of  the  mighty  deep. 

A  sleepless  night  it  was  for  Margery  Wayne,  and  when  day  dawned, 
though  the  rain  had  ceased  to  fall,  a  turbulent,  stormy  sea  was  still  lashed 


178  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

and  vexed  by  the  wind.  And  as  it  grew  lighter  not  a  sail  was  to  be  seen  on 
the  bay.     Where  was  the  Phillis  and  her  crew  ? 

It  was  nearly  noon,  when  one  of  the  cove  boys  burst  open  the  cottage 
door,  and  cried  out  abruptly,  "  They've  found  the  name  of  the  Phillis  over 
there  on  the  rocks,  and  they're  bringing  it  up  here." 

Pale  and  speechless,  Margery  sank  into  the  nearest  seat.  Ran  felt  that 
something  had  happened.  "What  is  it?"  he  asked;  "Is  Wob  tummin  and 
my  faver?" 

"O  Ranold,  Ranold,"  cried  his  mother,  "your  father  will  never  come 
home  any  more,  and  Rob  will  never  come  back  to  us ! " 

The  sign  was  brought  up  and  laid  on  the  grass-plot  before  the  door. 
Yes,  it  was  the  very  sign  that  John  Wayne  had  painted  with  such  patient 
and  loving  care.  In  what  fearful  moment  was  it  wrenched  from  its  hold, 
and  where  now  were  the  timbers  of  the  Phillis  scattered,  and  where  alas  ! 
was  the  brave  crew  ?" 

One,  two,  three  days  went  by.  It  was  a  golden  Summer  afternoon,  and 
the  sea  was  as  gentle  and  placid  as  if  it  had  never  been  storm-tossed.  Mar- 
gery, pale  and  listless  sat,  slowly  drawing  her  netting-needle  in  and  out 
through  the  meshes  of  her  net.  She  was  stunned.  It  was  not  possible  yet 
to  think  of  the  future,  and  so  she  went  on  doing  mechanically  as  she  had 
done.  Ran,  rosy,  dimpled  and  dewy-eyed,  scarcely  awake  from  his  after- 
noon nap,  stood  looking  out  of  the  cottage  door.  His  long  silence  attracted 
Margery's  attention.     She  turned  her  head  wearily  to  see  what  he  was  doing. 

"What  is  Rannie  looking  at?"  she  asked  indifferenly. 

"My  faver's  boat,"  said  the  little  one  sturdily.  "My  faver  is  tummin 
some  more,  and  Wob,  too  !     I  sees  'em  my  own  self." 

Margery's  heart  gave  a  great  throb.  Another  instant  and  she  stood  beside 
Ran.  Did  her  eyes  deceive  her,  or  was  it  a  phantom  craft  that  was  round- 
ing the  headland  and  sailing  so  noiselessly  into  the  little  cove  ?  Was  it 
really  her  husband  giving  directions  to  his  crew,  and  Rob  himself  waving 
his  hat  as  joyously  as  when  he  sailed  away,  or  were  her  senses  leaving  her  ? 

Ah,  yes,  she  notes  now,  with  a  sob  of  relief,  that  the  name  is  gone  from 
the  bow,  but  the  vessel  otherwise  seems  as  staunch  as  ever. 

The  Phillis  had  been  blown  off  shore  and  somewhat  strained,  but  had 
received  no  other  injury  save  the  loss  of  her  name,  which  had  been  inse- 
curely fastened  and  which  the  capricious  waves  must  wash  up  on  the  cove 
rocks,  and  so  cause  Margery  Wayne  such  days  and  nights  of  anguish.  The 
vessel  itself  had  been  in  a  safe  harbor  before  dark  on  the  night  of  the  storm. 

Rob  had  come  home  in  high  feather.  He  had  been  all  about  the  city 
with  his  father  while  the  Phillis  was  lying  wind-bound.  His  father  had 
found  a  good  market  for  his  fish,  and  Rob  had  taken  part  of  his  earnings  to 
buy  for  himself  a  four-bladed  knife,  and  for  Ran  a  most  wonderful  gun, 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  179 

that  could  be  half  cocked  and  wholly  cocked,  and  that  would  make  a  great 
noise. 

Rob  went  three  trips  that  Summer,  and  he  was  quite  a  hero  among  the 
cove  boys  when  he  went  back  to  school  in  the  Fall.  His  knife  was  the 
envy  and  admiration  of  all  the  other  boys,  and  often  while  he  was  busy  carv- 
ing elder  into  fanciful  shapes,  he  was  wont  to  hold  forth  to  an  eager  audi- 
ence his  narrative,  invariably  commencing,  "When  I  went  my  first  trip  in 
the  Phillis—" 


Lost  in  the  Fog, 

In  the  preceding  pages  are  given  many  instances  of  fishermen  lost  in  the 
fog  on  the  Banks,  and  of  great  sufferings  caused  thereby  from  hunger  and 
exposure.  The  above  engraving  did  not  reach  us  in  season  to  be  placed 
in  that  chapter,  so  we  insert  it  here.  It  illustrates  an  instance  where  two 
poor  fellows  are  thus  adrift  on  the  wide  expanse  of  waters.  One  is  stand- 
ing up,  pointing,  seemingly,  at  some  slight  object  which  may  be  dimly  dis- 
cerned, to  which  the  attention  of  his  companion,  who  has  stopped  rowing 
and  is  anxiously  looking,  is  directed.  Or  it  may  be  that  they  are  holding  a 
consultation  as  to  which  dierction  it  would  be  best  to  pull,  in  order  to  meet 
with  some  vessel  or  fall  in  with  the  land,  and  thus  escape  the  perils  which 
surround  them.  It  is  a  perilous  position  to  be  placed  in,  especially  without 
food  or  drink,  and  we  do  earnestly  hope  that  each  dory  while  on  the  grounds 
will  in  future  be  well  provided  with  these  important  articles.. 


i8o 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Crippled  on  the  "  Home  Stretch." 

BY   DICK   SKYLIGHT. 

No  branch  of  the  fishery  is  so  uncertain,  as  to  the  returns,  as  that  for 
halibut.  One  vessel  may  get  a  high  price  for  her  fish,  while  a  second,  a 
few  days  or  hours  later,  by  striking  an  overstocked  market,  may  receive  not 
more  than  half  as  much.  As  the  success  of  the  trip  therefore  depends  very 
much  on  the  rapidity  of  the  homeward  passage,  sail  is  crowded  on,  even  to 
the  point  of  extreme  danger,  and  the  "  home  stretch  "  frequently  becomes 
the  most  exciting  part  of  the  whole  trip,  demanding  the  best  seamanship 
and  skill  on  the  part  of  the  skipper  and  crew. 

Fishermen  as  a  class  take  especial  pride  in  the  sea-going  qualities  of  the 
vessel  they  sail  in,  and  esteem  most  highly  her  ability  to  carry  a  crowd  of 
sail  in  a  fresh  breeze.  This  particular  pride  is  often  more  forcibly  exhib- 
ited— perhaps  recklessly  so — by  the  men  composing  the  crews  than  by  the 
skippers,  since  upon  the  latter  rests  the  responsibility.  It  is  sometimes 
quite  amusing  to  overhear  some  of  the  remarks  of  the  men  on  deck  in  re- 
lation to  carrying  sail.  "  I  tell  yer  what  'tis/'  says  one  to  his  watch-mate, 
"  the  old  critter's  stiff  's  a  church."  "  Yes,"  replies  the  other,  "  the  old  gal 
can  wear  her  muslin  'bout  's  long  's  any  of  'em.  I  don't  believe  them  they 
blow  so  much  about  can  stand  it  much  longer ;  not  if  the  old  man's  a  mind 
to  lug  it  on  her."  This  desire  to  "  lug  it  on  her  "  is  expressed,  too,  when 
the  little  schooner  is  probably  buried  all  under  water  on  the  lee  side,  and 
the  spars  and  sails  are  strained  to  the  utmost.  On  more  than  one  occasion 
I  have,  myself,  barely  escaped  evil  consequences  from  carrying  a  "  taut 
rag  "  when  homeward  bound. 

One  night  in  March,  1878,  we  left  the  Grand  Bank  just  at  the  commence- 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  181 

ment  of  a  southeast  storm,  which  rapidly  augmented  in  fury.  About  3 
o'clock  in  the  morning  all  hands  were  called  to  take  in  the  staysail,  after 
which  the  dories  were  turned  bottom  up  and  lashed  securely.  This  work 
occupied  about  an  hour,  when  all  but  myself  and  the  watch  went  below. 
The  night  was  intensely  dark,  and  all  that  it  was  possible  to  see  was  the 
sparkle  of  the  spray  as  it  flew  from  the  bow,  and  the  luminous  phosphores- 
cent track  behind  our  vessel,  as,  with  her  sheets  well  off,  she  rushed  through 
the  waters  and  the  darkness  like  a  great  black-winged  spectre.  A  half  hour 
later  I  again  called  all  hands :  "  Get  on  your  oil  clothes  and  stand  by  the 
halyards,"  is  the  order.  Hardly  had  this  been  done,  when  a  squall  struck 
us  almost  with  the  force  of  a  thunderbolt.  Feeling  the  vessel  settling,  I 
shouted  to  the  man  at  the  wheel,  "  Let  her  come  to,"  and  to  his  watch- 
mate,  "  Let  go  the  main-peak  halyards."  At  the  same  time  I  sprang  to  the 
main-throat  halyards  and  tried  to  get  them  clear,  but  could  not,  owing  to 
the  darkness,  and  the  fact  that  they  were  not  belayed  as  usual.  In  the 
meantime  our  little  vessel  came  near  going  to  the  bottom,  for  she  was  under 
water  from  her  cat-head  to  the  taffrail,  on  the  lee  side.  When  the  man  at 
the  wheel  first  heard  my  order,  he  put  the  helm  down,  but,  finding  the  ves- 
sel was  going  so  low,  kept  her  off  again  (thinking  that  the  safer  thing  to  do), 
at  the  same  time  climbing  on  top  of  the  wheel-box  to  get  out  of  the  water. 
His  watch-mate,  though  floated  off  his  feet  on  the  lee  side,  let  the  peak  hal- 
yards go  by  the  run.  This  reduced  the  sail  considerably,  and,  the  first  fury 
of  the  squall  being  past,  the  "  old  boat "  shook  off  part  of  the  water,  and, 
still  running  at  an  appalling  rate,  kept  afloat  until  we  could  shorten  sail 
still  more. 

On  another  occasion,  in  the  Spring  of  1876,  while  running  for  home  in  a 
northeast  gale,  our  vessel  was  "  sprawled  out  "  by  heavy  seas  twice  in  one 
day,  being  knocked  down  so  that  her  sails  were  in  the  water,  and  the  lee 
side  completely  buried.  The  night  preceding  the  day  on  which  we  were 
knocked  down  we  had  a  tussle  with  the  ice,  immense  floes  of  which,  in  the 
Spring  of  1876,  were  driven  by  a  succession  of  northerly  winds  nearly  to 
the  edge  of  the  Gulf  Stream.  We  were  running  under  a  double-reefed 
mainsail,  whole  foresail  and  jib  (with  the  bonnet  out) — all  the  sail  we  could 
stagger  under — when,  a  little  after  midnight,  the  watch  shouted  down  the 
companion-way  :  "  Hear  the  news  there  below  I  rouse  out,  here's  ice  close 
aboard ! "  It  needed  no  second  call  to  bring  us  out,  for  all  realized  the  dan- 
ger of  meeting  with  ice  while  running  at  such  a  rate  ;  if  the  vessel  struck  a 
heavy  piece  her  bows  would  be  crushed  in  like  an  egg  shell.  As  for  my- 
self I  hurried  on  deck  in  my  shirt  sleeves,  and,  jumping  into  the  rigging, 
climbed  far  enough  above  deck  to  get  a  good  view,  and  clung  there  for 
nearly  two  hours  directing  the  wheelsman  how  to  steer  to  avoid  coming  in 
contact  with  either  the  floe  or  straggling  pieces  of  ice.     The  latter,  which 


182  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

were  of  various  sizes,  were  really  the  most  dangerous,  since  they  could  not 
be  seen  so  quickly.  It  was  bright  moonlight,  however,  which  was  much  in 
our  favor,  and  by  taking  in  the  foresail  we  reduced  the  speed  of  the  vessel,, 
so  that  we  passed  safely  by  hundreds  of  isolated  ice  cakes,  any  one  of 
which  would  have  knocked  in  our  vessel's  bow  had  she  struck  it.  With  the 
wind  blowing  a  northeast  gale  and  sweeping  down  from  such  a  vast  body  of 
pack  ice  as  lay  to  windward,  the  air  was  keen  and  biting,  as  may  easily  be 
surmised,  and  when  at  last  we  had  cleared  the  last  of  the  lolly-ice#  which 
strung  out  to  the  leeward  of  the  main  floe,  and  the  increasing  motion 
of  the  vessel  gave  evidence  of  open  water  to  windward,  I  crawled  down  out 
of  the  rigging,  but  was  so  thoroughly  chilled  through  that  I  could  scarcely 
stand. 

As  there  was  possible  danger  of  meeting  more  ice,  and  the  wind  had  in- 
creased somewhat,  I  concluded  not  to  set  the  foresail  before  daylight. 
When  we  cleared  the  ice  we  were  nearly  a  hundred  miles  south  of  the 
latitude  of  Sable  Island,  and  were  therefore  obliged  to  steer  W.  N.  W., 
which  brought  us  almost  in  the  trough  of  the  sea.  Having  warmed  myself, 
and  ordered  the  watch  to  "  call  me  if  there  were  any  indications  of  ice,  or 
increase  in  wind,"  I  turned  in.  The  sea  increased  very  much  towards 
morning,  and  a  little  after  daybreak  we  were  tripped  and  knocked  down  ; 
the  mainboom  went  under  nearly  to  the  mast,  parting  the  boom-tackle  ;  one 
man  in  the  forecastle  was  thrown  from  a  weather  into  a  lee  bunk,  and 
another  who  was  lying  in  a  berth  on  the  lee  side  was  scalded  by  the  con- 
tents of  the  coffee  pot  which  came  tumbling  on  top  of  him  from  the  stove 
on  the  opposite  side.  Altogether  there  was  quite  a  mixing  up  of  things, 
but  almost  before  we  had  a  chance  to  realize  the  situation,  the  vessel  was 
back  on  her  bottom  and  tearing  along  on  her  course  again.  Not  caring, 
however,  to  repeat  the  performance,  if  we  could  avoid  it,  we  set  a  double- 
reefed  foresail,  took  in  the  mainsail,  and  bent  the  riding  sail  in  its  stead. 
Under  this  canvas  we  kept  along  on  our  course,  though,  such  was  the 
danger  of  being  sprawled  out  again,  that  I  staid  on  deck  all  day  directing 
the  man  at  the  wheel  how  to  steer  to  escape  the  ugly  cross  seas  that  quite 
frequently  came  along.  It  was  anything  but  pleasant,  to  be  sure,  to  run  a 
vessel  under  such  circumstances,  but  nevertheless  we  kept  her  going, 
swinging  off  almost  before  it  sometimes,  and  hauling  to  on  our  course  again 
when  a  chance  offered.  In  this  way  we  went  along  safely  until  about  sun- 
down, when,  being  very  hungry,  I  went  below  for  a  lunch,  first  giving  the 
man  at  the  wheel  the  order  to  "  Watch  her  sharp  j  swing  her  off  quick  if 


*Lolly-ice  is  the  name  given  to  the  fine  ice  which  generally  extends  to  a  greater  or  less  dis- 
tance to  leeward  of  field  ice.  It  is  formed  by  the  grinding  together  of  the  larger  pieces,  and 
being  of  small  size,  and,  of  course,  comparatively  little  under  water,  usually  drifts  to  lee- 
ward faster  than  heavy  ice. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  183 

you  see  a  bad  one*  coming,  and  let  her  take  it  stern  to."  I  had  scarcely- 
seated  myself  on  the  weather  side  oi  the  forecastle  table,  with  a  piece  of 
bread  in  one  hand  and  a  mug  of  tea  in  the  other,  when  the  vessel  was 
thrown  completely  on  her  beam  ends.  Dropping  whatever  I  held,  I  sprang 
for  the  companion-way  the  instant  I  felt  her  going  over.  But  the  water, 
rushing  over  the  top  of  the  companion  doors,  met  me  as  I  gained  the  top 
of  the  steps,  and  as  the  vessel  was  at  that  time  lying  flat  on  her  side,  the 
prospect  of  her  righting  again  before  she  filled  looked  rather  dubious. 
There  was  a  strong  probability,  too,  that  the  man  at  the  wheel  had  been 
washed  overboard,  or  injured,  and  if  such  was  the  case  the  vessel  (should 
she  right)  would  be  in  danger  of  broaching  to  and  having  another  sea 
sweep  over  her.  Fortunately,  as  in  the  morning,  she  soon  straightened  up 
again,  and  I  jumped  out  on  deck  and  ran  for  the  wheel.  By  the  time  I 
reached  the  main  hatch,  though  it  took  scarcely  an  instant,  the  wind  struck 
into  the  sails,  and  the  vessel,  starting  ahead  with  a  rush,  drew  herself  out 
from  beneath  the  water  under  which  she  was  buried  from  the  mainmast  aft, 
and  which  went  dashing  and  splashing  out  over  the  stern  and  both  rails  as 
our  "  old  boat"  onc.e  more  rose  buoyant  on  top  of  the  waves.  So  far  under 
water  had  the  stern  been  that  the  wheelsman — a  six  footer — was  entirely 
submerged  when  the  vessel  righted,  though  he  stood  on  his  feet,  still  retain- 
ing his  grip  of  the  wheel ;  the  men  in  the  cabin  were  nearly  smothered  by 
steam  and  gas  which  was  driven  from  the  cabin  stove  by  a  stream  of  water 
which  ran  down  the  stove  pipe  on  to  the  burning  coal.  Barefooted,  bare- 
headed, and  panting  for  breath,  they  were  glad  enough  to  get  out  on  top  of 
the  house  where  they  might  get  the  fresh  air. 

Although  we  had  met  with  little  or  no  damage,  from  being  sprawled  out 
twice,  it  was,  nevertheless,  a  little  more  than  we  had  advertised  for,  so  we. 
hove  to  for  a  few  hours  until  the  moon  rose,  when,  the  sea  having  gone 
down  somewhat,  we  started  again  on  the  home  stretch. 

"  Eternal  vigilance  is  the  price  of  liberty,"  it  has  been  well  said,  and  the 
foregoing  will  show  that  the  success  and  safety  o£  the  winter  fisherman  de- 
mands almost  as  great  watchfulness  and  circumspection,  since  the  incidents 
mentioned  above  are  only  two  of  hundreds  that  might  be  related. 


*A  sharp  and  heavy  cross  sea,  which  would  be  likely  to  break  aboard  and  sweep  the  deck, 
if  nothing  worse  happened. 


184 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


The  December  Gales  of  1876. 

The  gales  which  swept  over  the  fishing  banks  on  the  9th  and  16th  of  De- 
cember, 1876,  were  terrific.  All  who  were  exposed  to  them  and  returned 
to  port  affirmed  that  in  all  their  experience  nothing  was  ever  encountered 
which  would  compare  with  the  fierceness  of  the  winds  and  the  waves  and 
the  narrow  chances  which  beset  the  fleet  exposed  to  their  fury.  Herewith 
we  publish  the  accounts  of  our  interviews  with  the  skippers.  These  gales 
swallowed  up  ten  vessels,  and  ninety-eight  men  were  buried  beneath  the 
treacherous  billows,  the  full  particulars  of  which  will  be  found  under  the 
appropriate  heading. 


Experience  of  Sch.  "Augusta  H.  Johnson" — Her  Captain  Obeys  a 
Premonition  and  Saves  a  Man's  Life. — Capt.  George  A.  Johnson  of  sch. 
Augusta  H  Johnson,  left  Banquereau  on  the  7th  of  December  for  home. 
Encountered  the  gale  on  the  night  of  the  9th.  A  7  o'clock  came  to  anchor 
thirty  miles  to  the  westward  of  Sable  Island.  The  wind  blew  a  perfect  hur- 
ricane with  an  ugly  sea  running.  Parted  at  11  o'clock;  hove  in  the  cable, 
and  at  4  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  10th  anchored  again;  parted  again 
at  7  o'clock ;  a  tremendous  sea  boarded  her  at  9  o'clock,  which  stove  five 
dories,  broke  fore-boom  and  fore-gaff  in  two  places ;  took  three  hundred 
fathoms  of  cable  from  the  weather  side  to  leeward,  when  John  McDonald, 
one  of  the  crew,  got  caught  in  the  coil  and  received  severe  injuries.  Run 
her  from  10  o'clock  A.  M.,  to  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  when  the  storm  abated,  and 
put  on  sail  for  home.  Was  in  Shelburne,  N.  S.,  17th,  and  on  the  morning 
of  the  18th  saw  a  disabled  brig  about  thirty  miles  off  Seal  Island.  A  barque 
was  near  by,  and  Capt.  Johnson  concluded  that  she  would  give  all  needed 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  185 

assistance.  Then  a  strong  impression  came  over  the  captain  to  board  the 
brig,  and  he  could  not  shake  it  off.  He  was  extremely  desirous  to  keep  on 
his  passage  home,  but  the  impression  weighed  on  his  mind.  He  felt  uneasy. 
Go  on  board  the  brig !  was  the  mandate  plainly  given,  and  he  could  not 
dispel  it.  Finally  he  obeyed  the  premonition,  and  with  four  of  his  men 
he  boarded  the  brig  in  the  dory.  It  proved  to  be  the  Wildhorse,  coal  laden 
and  abandoned.  (She  afterwards  went  ashore  at  St.  John's  Island.)  Capt. 
Johnson  got  sail  on  her,  and  after  she  got  well  on  her  course  he  descried 
an  object  as  far  ahead  as  he  could  see,  which  resembled  a  man  on  a  cake 
of  ice.  He  at  once  called  attention  to  it  and  signalled  to  the  schooner. 
With  all  speed  they  hastened  to  it  in  the  dory,  and  on  drawing  near,  what 
was  their  surprise  in  finding  a  man  clinging  to  the  bottom  of  a  boat  which 
was  painted  white,  thus  giving  the  appearance  of  an  ice  cake  in  the  distance. 
It  proved  to  be  Mr.  Gottfried  Frankfurt,  mate  of  barque  Seawood,  who  with 
three  men  had  boarded  the  brig,  and  upon  their  return  the  boat  was  cap- 
sized alongside.  Two  of  the  men  succeeded  in  getting  on  board,  leaving 
Frankfurt  and  a  seaman  named  Peter  Anderson,  in  the  water.  They  both 
succeeded  in  clinging  to  the  boat's  bottom ;  the  barque  drifted  away,  and 
ere  the  men  on  the  vessel  got  their  boat  ready  the  two  were  out  of  sight. 
They  had  cruised  around,  and  not  succeeding  in  finding  them,  had  given 
them  up.  The  cold  was  most  intense,  with  a  heavy  sea,  and  for  two  hours 
Frankfurt  had  managed  to  hold  on  to  the  submerged  boat,  with  the  water 
up  to  his  breast,  the  sea  beating  over  him  and  the  cold  piercing  his  vitals. 
It  was  a  terrible  struggle  for  life,  and  his  companion  succumbed  to  the  fear- 
ful ordeal,  and  slipping  off  the  boat  disappeared  beneath  the  waters  !  The 
suffering  man  was  taken  on  board  the  Johnson,  where  kind  hearts  and  will- 
ing hands  administered  restoratives,  and  he  escaped  without  any  serious 
illness.  The  probabilities  are  that  if  Capt.  Johnson  had  kept  on  his  course 
and  not  heeded  the  premonition,  the  man  would  have  been  drowned,  as  he 
could  not  possibly  have  held  on  but  a  few  moments  longer.  Who  can  ac- 
count for  such  a  premonition  ?  Surely  it  was  not  of  the  captain's  seeking, 
as  he  was  opposed  to  heeding  it,  supposing  that  the  barque  had  rendered 
all  the  necessary  assistance,  and  he  wanted  to  get  home.  The  Seawood  ar- 
rived at  Portland,  where  the  mate  joined  her. 

Loss  of  Sch.  "Daniel  A.  Burnham." — Sch.  Daniel  A.  Burnham,  Capt. 
James  Nickerson,  was  capsized  on  Grand  Bank  in  the  gale  of  the  10th,  car- 
rying away  both  masts  level  with  the  deck.  The  crew  remained  on  the 
wreck  five  days,  suffering  great  hardships,  when  they  were  taken  off  by  a 
steamer  and  carried  into  St.  Johns.  The  wreck  was  in  a  sinking  condition 
when  the  men  were  rescued.  They  lost  everything,  and  were  more  or  less 
injured  from  exposure. 


186  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Experience  of  the  "John  Dove" — A  Tough  Time  of  It. — Sch.  John 
Dove  was  exposed  to  the  full  severity  of  the  gale  of  Dec.  16th  and  17  th,  on 
La  Have  Bank.  On  the  16th  one  of  the  crew  named  Augustus  Brown  fell 
overboard,  but  being  an  expert  swimmer,  kicked  off  his  heavy  rubber  boots 
and  struck  out  bravely  for  the  vessel.  Ropes  and  tubs  were  thrown  over 
from  the  vessel,  but  the  tide  was  running  strong  and  the  current  bore  him 
away  from  them.  The  cable  was  paid  out  until  the  vessel  backed  down  to 
where  Brown  was  swimming,  and  he  was  taken  on  board,  after  having  been 
in  the  water  about  eight  minutes.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  17  th  a  tre- 
mendous sea  broke  over  the  vessel,  sweeping  the  decks,  carrying  away  two 
companion-ways,  smashing  dory,  staving  rail,  breaking  the  wheel-box,  de- 
molishing the  cooking  stove,  and  doing  other  damage.  But  for  the  parting 
of  the  cable  the  vessel  must  have  foundered.  One  of  the  crew,  Maurice  Wi- 
ley, was  washed  against  the  companion-way  and  had  his  face  severely  cut. 
The  Dove  put  into  Halifax  on  the  23d  for  repairs.  She  had  rough  weather 
all  the  time  after  leaving  port,  being  three  times  blown  off  her  fishing 
grounds,  once  a  distance  of  some  seventy-five  miles. 

Experience  of  the  "Ruth  Groves." — Sch.  Ruth  Groves  was  knocked 
nearly  bottom  upward  by  a  heavy  sea,  her  foremast  carried  away  to  the 
deck,  and  lost  mainsail,  main-boom,  and  main-gaff.  Two  of  her-  crew,  Chas. 
Cook  of  Lockeport,  N.  S.,  and  Joseph  Teddy  of  Sydney,  C.  B.,  were  swept 
overboard  and  lost.  The  crew  were  obliged  to  pump  and  bail  all  night  to 
keep  her  free.  Some  sails  were  rigged  and  a  drogue  put  out.  They  steered 
for  Liverpool,  N.  S.,  which  they  reached  after  a  dangerous  passage.  Charles 
McKinney,  one  of  the  crew,  was  thrown  out  of  his  berth  upon  the  stove, 
and  was  so  severely  burned  that  he  was  sent  home  in  sch.  Howard. 

Sch.  "Edwin  C.  Dolliver,"  Capt.  John  Thompson,  from  Western  Bank, 
reported  the  gales  as  very  severe.  Lost  three  anchors.  On  the  nth  of 
December  saw  brig  lucy  in  a  disabled  condition  on  the  southern  part  of  the 
Bank  j  took  off  her  crew  of  eight  men  and  brought  them  to  this  port.  The 
vessel  soon  after  sunk.  She  was  commanded  by  Capt.  James  Irving,  loaded 
with  coal  and  potatoes,  and  bound  for  Cuba. 

Sch.  "Riverdale,"  Capt.  Forristall,  while  lying  at  anchor  on  LaHave 
Bank,  in  the  gale  of  the  9th  of  December,  was  struck  by  a  heavy  sea,  which 
swept  the  decks,  smashed  three  dories  and  sent  them  adrift,  and  carried 
away  everything  moveable.  The  vessel  was  hove  on  her  beam  ends,  and 
the  cabin  and  forecastle  filled  with  water.  The  cable  parted,  and  the  crew 
shifted  the  salt  and  fish  in  the  hold,  and  the  vessel  righted.  The  Riverdale 
lost  her  other  anchor  and  cable  in  the  gale  of  the  16th,  and  was  obliged  to 
put  into  Halifax  for  repairs. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  187 

Fearful  Experience  on  Board  Schooner  "  Howard," 

BY  J.    W.    COLLINS. 

There  are  few,  indeed,  who  have  never  experienced  it,  that  can  form  any 
adequate  idea  of  what  it  is  to  ride  out  a  gale — a  regular  "sneezer" — at  an- 
chor in  mid-ocean,  where  even  the  staunchest  ocean  steamers  are  like  play- 
things of  the  mighty  elements.  As  a  rule,  a  fishing  vessel  rides  like  a  sea- 
gull, gallantly  breasting  the  waves  that  go  seething  and  swishing  by,  although 
the  violence  of  the  wind  often  makes  the  little  schooner  tremble  like  an  Au- 
tumn leaf,  as  it  rises  on  the  top  of  a  huge  wave  to  plunge  the  next  moment 
down  its  opposite  side.  Nevertheless,  an  "  unlucky  sea  "  will  occasionally 
break  on  board,  and,  if  the  man  on  watch  is  not  on  the  lookout  for  it,  he  is 
likely  to  be  injured  if  not  washed  overboard.  But,  whatever  the  danger  to 
individuals,  a  lookout  must  be  kept,  for  in  a  gale  many  most  serious  perils 
threaten,  which  can  only  be  successfully  met  by  utmost  care  and  vigilance. 

It  frequently  happens  that  after  a  long  day  (often  eighteen  or  nineteen 
hours)  of  fatiguing  work  at  fishing,  the  weary  crew,  with  the  exception  of  the 
watch,  turn  in  for  the  much  needed  sleep.  It  may  be  scarcely  an  hour  later, 
when  the  watch  goes  below  and,  giving  the  skipper  a  shake  to  waken  him, 
says :  "  Cap'n,  it's  blowing  again  like  great  guns,  and  I  think  she  needs 
the  rest  of  her  cable  ;  you'd  better  turn  out  and  look  at  it."  Of  course  there 
is  no  shirking  this  duty,  and  the  skipper,  knowing  he  is  not  called  without 
good  reason,  tumbles  out  of  his  bunk,  puts  on  boots  and  sou'-wester,  and 
goes  up  in  the  companion-way,  greeted,  the  moment  he  thrusts  his  face  out- 
side, by  the  full  force  of  a  nor'west  snow-squall.  The  roaring  of  the  waves 
as  they  go  rushing  by,  the  dismal  howling  of  the  wind  through  the  rigging, 
added  to  the  darkness  of  the  night,  intensified  by  the  blinding  effect  of  snow 
and  hurling  spray,  leave  no  choice  but  to  order  the  watch  to  "  call  'em  out, 
for'ard,"  while  at  the  same  time  the  shout,  "  Come  !  rouse  out  here  !  we've 
got  to  give  her  the  whole  string,"  wakes  the  heavy  slumberers  in  the  cabin, 
and  the  half-asleep  and  thoroughly  disgusted  men  crawl  on  deck  with  many 
objurgations  and  odd,  but  innocent  remarks. 

"  What  kind  'er  weather  d'ye  call  this ! "  one  growls  out ;  while  another 
exclaims,  "  If  I  had  the  job,  and  couldn't  make  any  better,  I'd  give  up  the 
contract  and  hire  out  to  a  farmer."  The  air  with  which  the  closing  sen- 
tence is  uttered  plainly  tells  that,  in  the  mariner's  estimation,  the  lowest 
degradation  one  could  possibly  reach  would  be  to  "  hire  out  to  a  farmer." 

But  this  is  only  cheap  talk,  and,  notwithstanding  the  danger  from  shipping 
seas,  the  crew  soon  muster  around  the  windlass,  and  sufficient  cable  is 


1 88  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

veered  out  for  the  occasion,  often  amounting  to  three  hundred  and  fifty  or 
four  hundred  fathoms,  if  there  is  a  heavy  gale,  and  the  vessel  is  in  deep 
water,  though  on  the  shoal  part  of  the  Bank,  in  thirty  to  fifty  fathoms,  much 
less  cable  is  required. 

In  ordinary  gales  fishermen  are  rarely  anxious  for  their  safety,  for,  like 
veteran  soldiers,  they  come  to  think  little  of  their  perils,  and  while  the 
storm  howls,  the  vessel  rolls,  staggers,  rises  and  plunges  again,  the  crew  off 
duty  will  frequently  gather  in  the  cabin  and  "pitch  in  for  a  sing,"  and  at 
such  times  groups  of  four  often  improvise  a  low  table  on  the  cabin  floor, 
and  have  a  game  of  "  Seven  Up,"  or  "  Euchre."  Exclamations  of  "  Swing 
for  his  Jack,"  "That  makes  us  game,"  and  the  like,  are  sometimes  inter- 
rupted by  a  dash  of  water  down  the  companion-way,  which  obliges  every- 
body to  scramble  to  their  feet  to  save  themselves  and  the  precious  cards 
from  a  wetting. 

But  furious  hurricanes  often  sweep  across  the  Banks  with  almost  resistless 
fury,  carrying  destruction  and  death  with  them,  and  appalling  even  the 
stoutest  hearts.  Such  was  the  terrific  gale  of  Sept.  9th  and  10th,  1876,  in 
which  many  staunch  vessels  succumbed  to  the  power  of  the  wind  and  waves, 
carrying  down  with  them  the  hardy  and  daring  men  who  formed  their  crews. 

The  writer  was  then  in  command  of  the  sch.  Howard — one  of  the  very 
few,  if  not  the  only  vessel,  to  hold  on  and  ride  out  the  gale  at  anchor.  The 
vessel  was  on  Banquereau,  and  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  gives  the 
principal  incidents  of  the  occasion  : 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  December  we  made  sail*  before  daylight 
and  got  all  ready  to  set  our  trawls,  but  by  the  time  it  was  fairly  light  it  blew 
up  smart  from  the  southeast  and  began  to  snow.  We  lay  by  for  awhile 
around  the  Andrew  Leighton  and  her  dories,  some  of  which  were  out.  After 
an  hour  or  two,  finding  the  wind  increasing  fast,  we  ran  in  on  the  Bank  un- 
til we  reached  a  depth  of  sixty  fathoms,  where  we  anchored  and  got  all 
ready  for  a  gale.  The  southeaster  blew  heavy,  but  was  of  short  duration, 
being  about  what  Winter  southeasters  generally  are. 

The  night  of  the  9th  the  wind  jumped  in  to  west-northwest,  and  towards 
morning  of  the  10th  blew  very  heavy;  so  hard  indeed  that,  fearing  the  rid- 
ing-sail would  go  to  pieces,  we  hauled  it  down.  The  riding-sail,  which  be- 
longed to  another  vessel,  and  which  we  had  taken  temporarily,  was  a  new 
one  which  had  no  reef  in  it,  as  did  our  own.  The  latter  had  been  left 
ashore,  as  it  was  too  old  for  a  Winter  trip. 

The  gale  increased  in  fury,  and  after  daylight  blew  extremely  hard,  while, 
to  make  matters  worse,  the  tide  set  out  to  run  to  the  southward,  hawsing 
the  vessel  up  in  such  a  manner  that  she  lay  almost  in  the  trough  of  the  sea. 

*Set  mainsail  and  jib.    We  had  been  lying  to  during  tbe  previous  night  under  a  foresail. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  189 

There  was  a  fearful  sea  going,  too,  I  think  the  worst  I  ever  saw ;  but  we 
did  not  ship  any  heavy  water  before  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  Just  before  that 
hour  I  went  up  in  the  companion-way  and  spoke  to  the  man  who  had  the 
watch,  and  who  was  busy  aft  by  the  wheel-box  clearing  the  log-line,  or  some 
other  small  gear  which  had  been  fouled  up  by  the  water  washing  it  about 
deck.  He  was  standing  with  his  back  to  the  sea,  totally  unmindful  of  his 
danger.  As  I  went  below  I  said  to  him,  "Keep  a  good  lookout  for  your- 
self, George  j  keep  your  eye  to  wind'ard,  for  there  are  some  nasty  seas  com- 
ing along."  "All  right,  skipper,  I'll  look  out  for  myself,"  he  replied  in  a 
cheerful  tone.  His  watch  was  just  out,  and  the  man  who  succeeded  him  was 
nearly  ready  to  go  on  deck  as  I  went  below. 

I  had  not  been  in  the  cabin  more  than  a  minute,  when  a  tremendous  sea 
broke  on  board  abaft,  or  about  the  main  rigging,  swept  aft  with  resistless 
force,  knocking  the  companion-way  slide  to  as  though  it  was  struck  with 
a  trip-hammer,  ripping  two  boards  off  of  it ;  also  the  bait  planks  off  the 
house ;  and  last,  and  most  appalling  of  all,  sweeping  the  unsuspecting  man 
(George  Miller)  into  the  foaming  and  seething  waters  astern,  so  far  away  as 
to  be  beyond  the  reach  of  all  human  aid.  A  feeling  of  horror,  like  an  elec- 
tric shock,  passed  through  me  as  I  heard  the  roar  of  the  breaking  waves 
and  the  peculiar  swishing  sound  of  the  waters  rushing  across  the  deck,  and 
I  exclaimed  to  the  man  who  was  standing  by  the  steps  ready  to  go  on  deck, 
"My  God!  Silas,  I'm  afraid  that  sea  has  washed  George  overboard." 
Reaching  up,  Silas  shoved  the  slide  back,  and  we  both  sprang  on  deck. 
But  what  a  sight  met  our  eyes !  More  than  a  hundred  feet  astern  and  drift- 
ing with  the  current,  every  moment  still  farther  away,  we  saw  the  poor  fel- 
low rise  to  the  surface,  struggle  for  a  few  seconds,  and  then,  buried  beneath 
a  huge  wave,  disappear  forever  from  mortal  sight,  while  the  shrieking  and 
howling  winds  sounded  a  requiem  over  his  untimely  grave.  Sad,  indeed, 
were  the  faces  of  our  crew  when  it  became  known  that  we  had  lost  a  man. 

However,  we  had  but  little  time  to  indulge  in  regrets  or  sorrow,  for  the 
gale,  which  had  then  increased  to  a  furious  hurricane,  compelled  us  to  make 
extra  endeavors  for  the  safety  of  the  vessel  and  our  own  lives.  She  hawsed 
up  so  badly  soon  after  the  event  just  described,  that  we  were  compelled  to 
set  the  riding-sail  to  keep  her  more  nearly  head  to  the  sea.  We  reduced 
the  siz^  of  the  sail  as  much  as  was  practicable,  by  making  a  "bag  reef"  in 
it.  This  was  done  by  tying  up  the  clew  and  lashing  the  bottom  hoops  to- 
gether, which  being  done,  we  hoisted  it  up  a  little  before  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Shortly  after  the  riding-sail  was  set,  we  had  a  succession  of  tremendously 
heavy  snow  squalls,  which  blew  with  a  fury  I  never  saw  equalled  or  even 
approached  during  an  experience  of  thirty  years  battling  with  the  Atlantic 
storms ;  while  the  snow  was  so  dense  that,  when  we  were  in  the  hollow  of 
a  sea,  the  top  of  it  could  hardly  be  seen.     The  Howard  quivered  and  trem- 


190  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

bled  like  a  stricken  dolphin,  as  she  struggled  with  great  apparent  effort  up 
the  steep  sides  of  the  mountainous  waves,  which  threatened  to  bury  her  be- 
neath their  curling  crests.  Even  with  the  small  sail  which  we  had  set — a 
mere  rag  in  size — and  lying  nearly  head  to  the  wind,  she  buried  her  lee  side 
nearly  to  the  hatches.  To  walk  against  the  blast  was  out  of  the  question, 
and  all  one  could  do  was  to  haul  themselves  along  by  the  life-lines,*  or  cling 
to  the  rigging  for  safety.  She  plunged  so  heavily  into  the  waves  that  the 
jib  was  soon  washed  loose  from  the  bowsprit.  While  I  was  in  the  cabin  af- 
ter a  rope  to  secure  it,  a  second  heavy  sea  boarded  us,  breaking  over  the 
port  bow,  covering  our  little  vessel  nearly  out  of  sight  beneath  a  deluge  of 
rushing  water  and  flying  spray.  When  the  men  on  deck  saw  it  coming  they 
sprang  for  the  rigging.  Two  of  them,  who  got  on  to  the  fore-gaff,  held  on 
to  the  peak  halyards,  clinging  to  the  ropes  with  their  hands  and  legs.  The 
sea  broke  so  high  that  both  of  these  men  were  nearly  washed  clear  of  their 
hold,  although  they  were  eight  to  ten  feet  above  the  deck.  The  latter  was 
filled  with  water  nearly  to  the  tops  of  the  rails,  compelling  us  to  knock  off 
some  waist  boards  so  that  the  vessel  would  clear  herself. 

Between  the  squalls  we  managed  to  secure  the  jib,  though  it  was  extreme- 
ly hazardous  going  out  on  a  bowsprit  in  such  a  gale.  The  squalls  had  the 
most  terrifying  appearance  that  I  ever  witnessed,  as  they  came  tearing  down 
from  to  windward.  Black  as  night  and  driving  the  white  foam  before  them, 
they  were  an  awful  sight,  and  enough  to  strike  terror  to  the  hearts  of  those 
who  never  felt  a  sense  of  fear,  and  who,  even  then,  when  death  was  immi- 
nent, bravely  faced  the  storm,  disdaining  to  flinch  from  the  peril  which  duty 
and  self-preservation  called  them  to  meet. 

Fearing  the  cable  would  part,  and  feeling  sure  that  the  vessel  would  be 
knocked  down  on  her  beam  ends  if  she  fell  off  with  any  sail  set,  I  stationed 
myself  at  the  mainmast,  whenever  the  squalls  came  along,  ready  to  let  the 
riding-sail  run  down  if  necessary.  When  the  fourth  squall  was  coming  I 
took  my  usual  position,  standing  on  the  bit-head  of  the  fife-rail  with  my 
right  foot,  and  grasping  the  riding-sail  halyards  with  my  right  hand.  While 
I  was  standing  in  this  position,  and  in  the  midst  of  a  flurry  of  flying  snow,  a 
ball  of  lightningf  burst  between  the  masts,  and  I  was  knocked  insensible  to 
the  deck.  Others  of  the  crew  were  slightly  shocked.  As  soon  they  could, 
the  men  who  were  on  deck  ran  and  picked  me  up,  thinking  I  was  dead,  and 
carried  me  below. 

I  would  not  speak  of  the  intense  suffering  which  I  endured  for  four  hours 

♦During  heavy  gales  life-lines  are  generally  rigged  by  stretching,  on  each  side  of  the  ves- 
sel, a  rope  from  the  fore-rigging  to  the  main,  and  from  that  aft  to  the  davit. 

fThe  men  who  saw  it  said  it  was  like  a  ball  of  fire,  and  burst  between  the  masts  like  a 
rocket.  It  is  probable  that  a  fragment  ran  down  the  wet  rope  to  which  I  was  clinging,  and 
struck  my  arm. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  191 

— hours  of  dreadful  agony — while  I  was  being  resuscitated,  were  it  not  to 
mention  the  conduct  of  my  men,  all  of  whom  showed  a  devotion  and  noble- 
ness of  spirit  rarely  equalled  and  never  excelled.  Though  in  almost  mo- 
mentary expectation  of  death  themselves,  they  continued  their  efforts  for  my 
relief  with  extraordinary  zeal  and  coolness.  Fortunately  I  could  speak  soon 
after  being  taken  into  the  cabin,  and  was  thus  able  to  direct  what  should  be 
done  both  for  myself  and  for  the  safety  of  the  vessel. 

We  had  only  three  more  squalls  after  I  was  struck  by  lightning ;  those 
were  not  so  heavy  as  the  previous  ones,  and  after  they  were  past,  the  wind 
soon  subsided  to  an  ordinary  gale. 

After  recovering  sufficiently  to  examine  my  injuries,  I  found  that  the  light- 
ning had  ploughed  along  my  right  arm  from  the  wrist  to  above  the  elbow, 
scorching  it  severely ;  while  five  smaller  burns  were  on  my  right  leg  below 
the  knee,  mostly  about  the  ankle.  My  right  side  was  paralyzed,  and  I  could 
not  stand  on  my  feet  for  several  days. 

We  started  for  home  as  soon  as  the  gale  was  over,  but  had  a  long,  hard 
passage.  My  burns  were  so  painful  that  when  we  got  as  far  as  Liverpool, 
N.  S.,  we  went  in  there  for  medical  assistance,  and  arrived  home  the  23d 
of  December. 


THACHER'S    ISLAND. 

BY    THOMAS    J.    PARTRIDGE. 

Hail,  ye  stately  columns  on  that  rock-bound  isle, 
That  cast  your  lurid  warnings  far  out  for  many  a  mile, 
To  warn  the  hardy  mariner  of  the  jagged  rocks  so  dread, — 
Who  safely  into  harbor  by  your  brilliant  lights  is  led. 

How  sad  to  part  from  one  who  has  proved  a  friend  in  heed, 
Or  wave  adieu  to  loving  ones  who  come  to  say,  "  God-speed;" 
Thus  must  the  sturdy  fisher  feel  as  he  leaves  thee  far  astern, 
Bound  off  for  Georges  stormy  Bank,  perhaps  ne'er  to  return. 

Majestic  forms !  you  rear  your  lordly  heads  as  if  to  emphasize 
The  great  and  glorious  good  that's  done  by  thy  two  fiery  eyes, 
And  when  the  golden  sun  is  hid  behind  Bond's  rocky  sod, 
You  throw  them  far  out  o'er  the  sea,  from  Boon  Island  to  Cape  Cod. 

"With  what  an  anxious,  beating  heart  have  fishers  watched  for  thee, 
When  almost  home  from  the  Grand  Bank  or  Fundy's  stormy  sea ; 
By  signs,  log,  compass,  and  by  chart  and  reckoning,  they  knew 
That  Thacher's  welcome  twin  lights  must  soon  come  into  view. 

Watching  as  only  mortals  watch  when  they  know  the  port  is  near 
That  holds  within  its  sacred  walls  all  they  consider  dear; 
And  when  at  last  their  eye  doth  rest  upon  thy  garnished  domes, 
Then  bubble  up  four  English  words— wife,  children,  rest  and  home. 


192  FISHERMEN S  OWN  BOOK. 


Foundering  of  Schooner  Almon  Bird, 

Terrible  Sufferings  of  Her  Crew — Four  of  Them   Die — Praiseworthy  Self- 
Sacrifice  of  Cape  Ann  Fishermen. 

Sch.  Almon  Bird  of  Rockland,  Me.,  for  Alexandria,  Va.,  loaded  with  plas- 
ter, encountered  a  severe  northeast  gale  off  Monhegan,  Sunday  evening, 
Jan.  i,  1882.  At  two  o'clock,  Monday  morning,  the  sea  made  a  clean  breach 
over  her.  The  vessel  continued  to  ship  heavy  seas,  all  doing  more  or  less 
damage,  and  at  seven  o'clock,  A.  M.,  when  about  half  way  between  Boon 
Island  and  Thacher's  Island,  some  thirty  miles  off  shore,  the  after  hatch 
was  stove  in  by  a  sea,  and  the  vessel  commenced  to  fill,  and  there  was  noth- 
ing to  do  but  to  take  to  the  boat  and  trust  to  the  chances  of  being  picked 
up.  One  of  the  boats,  containing  the  only  pair  of  oars,  had  been  washed 
overboard. 

Her  crew  list  was  as  follows  :  C.  A.  Packard,  master,  of  Rockland,  Me.; 
William  H.  Harriman,  first  mate,  of  Prospect,  Me.;  Charles  Chaples,  second 
mate,  of  Rockland,  Me.;  A.  B.  Henderson,  steward,  of  Friendship,  Me. 
Seamen — Allen  Small  and  Horace  Small,  brothers,  of  Deer  Isle,  Me.;  Fred. 
Hamilton  and  Patrick  Hogan,  of  Rockland,  Me. 

All  were  strong,  able-bodied  seamen,  except  Horace  Small,  who  was  a 
frail  lad  of  sixteen  years,  who  had  never  been  to  sea  in  Winter  time,  and 
who  ran  away  from  home  to  join  his  brother  on  this  voyage.  He  had  been 
struck  by  a  heavy  sea,  knocking  him  against  a  cask,  breaking  his  wrist. 
Mr.  Harriman,  the  mate,  was  also  injured  in  the  groin  while  attempting  to 
save  the  oars.  The  hatchet  was  lost  overboard  in  attempting  to  cut  away 
the  jib-boom,  and  the  axe  shared  the  same  fate  while  being  used  to  cut  away 
the  main  rail  to  launch  the  boat,  which  was  finally  got  afloat  and  hastily 
manned,  as  the  vessel  was  fast  sinking.  The  injured  lad  was  taken  from 
the  forecastle  and  put  into  the  boat,  but  he  had  no  oil  clothing,  and  there 
was  no  time  to  get  him  properly  dressed.  A  few  bed  clothes  and  an  old 
coat  was  thrown  into  the  boat,  and  about  a  peck  of  hard  bread  in  a  small 
barrel  was  put  on  board,  with  about  a  quart  of  rum  and  three  or  four  quarts 
of  oatmeal.  Water  they  had  not,  and  they  were  without  oars  or  tools  except 
a  hand  saw.  In  about  ten  minutes  after  taking  to  the  boat  the  schooner 
went  to  the  bottom. 

Before  leaving  the  sinking  craft,  the  mate  constructed  a  drogue,  and  after 
taking  to  the  boat  the  barrel  containing  the  ship  bread  was  stove  up,  and 
with  the  staves  and  a  new  thwart  which  happened  to  be  in  the  boat,  some 
rude  paddles  were  improvised.     The  boat  lay  to  the  drogue  Monday  and 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  193 

Monday  night.  Tuesday  morning  a  fishing  schooner  was  descried  in  the 
distance,  but  she  passed  out  of  sight.  Tuesday  afternoon  a  blanket  was 
fastened  to  the  jib  and  the  boat  was  under  sail  for  a  time,  but  at  night  it 
breezed  up,  and  fearing  in  their  benumbed  and  exhausted  state  to  attempt 
to  unship  the  mast  and  take  in  sail,  the  mast  was  sawn  through  just  above 
the  thwarts.  The  icy  spray  dashed  constantly  over  the  boat,  freezing  as  it 
fell,  and  everything  was  covered  with  a  coat  of  icy  mail.  The  drogue  kept 
the  boat's  head  to  the  sea,  but  the  waves  constantly  deluged  her,  and  the 
exhausted  men  were  employed  all  night  in  bailing.  The  uncooked  oatmeal 
was  uneatable,  the  hard  bread  was  at  first  so  dry  as  to  be  swallowed  with 
difficulty  without  water,  and  afterwards  so  wet  with  the  spray  as  to  be  unfit 
to  eat,  and  the  sufferings  of  the  men  from  cold,  hunger  and  thirst  were  ex- 
cruciating. Two  of  the  number,  Chaples  and  Hogan,  though  warned  of  the 
consequences,  endeavored  to  slake  their  thirst  by  eating  salt-water  ice,  and 
the  presence  of  two  maniacs  was  soon  added  to  the  other  horrors  of  the  sit- 
uation. The  quart  of  rum  was  carefully  husbanded,  by  administering  a  tea- 
spoonful  at  a  time,  and  was  made  to  last  until  the  early  part  of  Wednesday 
evening. 

On  Wednesday  morning  a  new  step  was  made  to  the  mast,  and  the  boat 
sailed  westward  all  day  and  all  night.  In  the  afternoon  another  schooner 
was  sighted,  but  she  did  not  see  the  boat.  During  the  night  a  hermaph- 
rodite brig  passed  close  by  and  was  hailed  with  weakened  voices.  The 
cries  were  doubtless  heard,  as  the  brig  showed  a  flash  light  two  or  three 
times  in  the  darkness,  but  kept  on  her  course  and  was  soon  out  of  sight. 
About  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening,  the  sixteen-year  old  boy,  who  had  suffered 
greatly  from  his  broken  wrist  and  insufficient  clothing,  died  in  his  brother's 
arms.  He  was  conscious  within  an  hour  of  his  death,  when  he  said  he  was 
not  afraid  to  die,  and  left  a  loving  message  for  his  mother.  He  had  left 
home  unbeknown  to  his  parents,  who  did  not  know  his  whereabouts  until 
they  received  the  telegraphic  dispatch  announcing  his  death.  The  young 
Irishman,  Patrick  Hogan,  died  about  an  hour  after  the  boy.  He  had  been 
delirious  about  six  hours,  talking  constantly  about  something  to  eat.  The 
second  mate,  Chaples,  was  delirious  about  twelve  hours,  babbling  incohe- 
rently all  the  time.  In  his  delirium  he  seized  the  saw,  and  before  he  could 
be  preverted,  sawed  his  hands  terribly  with  it,  the  blood  spurting  over  the 
boat.  He  died  about  three  o'clock,  Thursday  morning,  and  his  body  was 
committed  to  the  deep. 

At  daylight  on  Thursday  morning,  three  fishing  vessels  were  descried  at 
no  great  distance.  One  of  these  proved  to  be  the  sch.  Cora  Lee,  Capt. 
George  A.  Saunders,  of  Pigeon  Cove.  Her  crew  consisted  of  John  Hickey, 
Scott  Geyer,  John  Newman,  Joseph  Sears,  Joseph  Silva,  William  Grant, 
Edward  Saunders,  Joseph  Bushy,  Joseph  White,  Joseph  Muise,  Charles  R. 


194  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Goodwin,  James  E.  Tinker,  Edward  Griffin,  and  were  engaged  in  setting 
their  trawls.  When  they  discovered  the  unfortunate  mariners  they  immedi- 
ately went  to  their  rescue,  and  towed  the  boat  to  the  vessel.  The  sight  was 
one  never  to  be  forgotten.  The  mate,  who  alone  was  able  to  do  anything, 
was  steering.  In  the  bow  lay  two  dead  bodies,  frozen  stiff  and  covered  with 
ice,  so  that  when  the  shore  was  reached  they  had  to  be  cut  out  of  the  boat 
with  a  hatchet.  The  captain  was  lying  in  the  forward  part  of  the  boat,  with 
both  feet  frozen  above  the  ankles  (he  had  been  thoroughly  drenched  before 
abandoning  the  vessel  and  had  no  oil  clothing  excepting  an  oil-skin  coat), 
and  the  other  survivors  were  half  sitting,  half  reclining  about  the  stern. 
Hamilton's  legs  were  frozen  half  way  to  his  knees,  and  he  died  on  Friday 
evening.  The  steward  and  Allen  Small  suffered  less  from  the  frost,  and 
the  mate  had  the  tips  of  his  fingers  only,  frozen.  The  boat  was  half  full  of 
ice  and  covered  with  blood,  and  presented  a  ghastly  spectacle. 

The  sufferers  were  speedily  taken  on  board  the  Cora  Lee,  put  in  berths, 
their  clothing  changed,  and  their  frozen  limbs  wrapped  in  salt.  The  friend- 
ly fishermen  stripped  off  their  own  clothing  to  cover  the  frozen  sailors,  and 
some  of  them  came  on  shore  with  nothing  on  but  a  suit  of  oil  clothes.  Tea, 
water  and  rice  broth  were  administered  to  the  rescued  men  in  small  quanti- 
ties, and  the  vessel  abandoned  her  trawls  and  started  for  home.  The  wind 
was  light  and  she  was  nearly  all  day  coming  in.  When  about  eight  miles 
off,  Capt.  Saunders  and  two  of  his  crew  rowed  ashore  and  made  prepara- 
tions for  the  comfort  of  the  shipwrecked  men.  Several  dories  went  out  to 
meet  the  Cora  Lee  and  tow  her  in,  taking  on  board  Drs.  Sanborn  and  Tup- 
per,  who  ministered  to  the  wants  of  the  sufferers  in  the  cabin,  and  when  the 
vessel  arrived  at  7  P.  M.,  a  team  was  waiting  to  take  the  men  to  Mrs.  Ann 
Pierce's  house,  where  they  received  the  kindest  attention. 

The  captain  and  crew  of  the  Cora  Lee  are  entitled  to  much  credit  for 
their  prompt  action.  Despite  the  remonstrances  of  Capt.  Packard  they  aban- 
doned their  trawls,  of  a  value  of  $180,  and  lost  their  trip  with  a  probable 
profit  of  $200  or  $300  more.  An  attempt  was  made  to  recover  the  trawls, 
but  in  order  to  do  so  it  was  necessary  to  locate  an  unmarked  spot  two-thirds 
of  a  mile  in  length,  situated  forty  miles  from  shore,  and  the  search  proved 
unavailing.  A  sum  of  money  was  subscribed,  which  partially  compensated 
for  this  loss. 

The  Almon  Bird  was  valued  at  $16,000,  and  there  was  very  little  insur- 
ance on  her.  Capt.  Packard  was  also  a  heavy  loser,  losing  his  instruments, 
charts,  clothing,  gold  watch  and  chain,  etc.,  of  a  value  of  $600  or  $700;  and 
after  arriving  home  he  suffered  amputation  of  portions  of  his  feet. 

In  this  sad  recital  of  suffering,  one  thing  is  prominent — the  generous  out- 
pouring of  volunteered  kindness,  offered  from  all  sides,  by  scores  of  persons, 
eager  to  help  the  distressed  mariners.     To  mention  all  the  helpers  would 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


*95 


be  to  call  the  roll  of  almost  the  entire  community  of  Pigeon  Cove.  First 
of  all,  special  credit  is  due  to  the  brave  captain  and  men  of  the  Cora  Lee, 
who,  at  risk  and  great  personal  loss,  rescued  the  men  from  their  perilous 
condition ;  then  to  Mrs.  Pierce,  who  freely  opened  her  entire  house  to  the 
wrecked  men  and  their  numerous  attendants.  Mrs.  Corrinna  H.  Bishop 
made  welcome  donations  of  clothing  to  every  man,  and  added  other  contri- 
butions ;  Mrs.  Levi  Robinson  assisted  freely,  and  numerous  noble  women 
acted  as  nurses  many  weary  hours  during  the  first  night  and  day.  All  along 
most  efficient  aid  was  rendered  by  Messrs.  Leroy  Goldsmith,  Joseph  M. 
Reed,  George  Cross,  Elbridge  Witham,  William  Pike,  and  very  many  oth- 
ers. No  braver  sailors,  no  kindlier  men  and  women  than  those  of  Pigeon 
Cove.  Beside  all  the  rest,  subscription  papers  were  early  passed  for  money 
to  defray  the  numerous  immediate  expenses,  and  the  amount  on  both  pa- 
pers reached  some  $170. 


*     THE    HARBOR    BAR 

BY  CHARLES  BURR  TODD. 


A  ship  has  crossed  the  harbor  bar, 
The  sunlight  glinting  on  sail  and  spar : 
Whither  she  goes,  who  knows?  who  knows? 
She  carries  pearls  of  lustrous  hue, 
Costly  fabrics  from  far  Hindoo, 
A  tender  maid  to  her  lover  true. 

The  wind  has  crossed  the  harbor  bar, 
All  armed  and  panoplied  for  war : 
Whither  it  goes,  who  knows?  who  knows? 


It  darts  on  the  ship  far  out  at  sea, 

It  tears  and  rends  her  with  savage  glee, 

And,  lo !  a  wreck  drifts  wild  and  free. 

The  sea  has  crossed  the  harbor  bar, 

It  hears  a  potent  voice  from  afar : 

Whither  it  goes,  who  knows?  who  knows? 

Eising  upon  a  land  of  palms, 

It  throws  a  wreck  to  sea-walled  farms, 

And  a  lifeless  maid  to  her  lover's  arms. 


196 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Ninety-Three  Voyages  to  Surinam. 

A  Remarkable  Record. 

Capt.  William  Tucker  of  this  city  has  made  nine- 
ty-three voyages  to  Surinam,  and  has  well  earned 
the  title  of  the  "Veteran  Master"  in  this  branch  of 
maritime  business.  He  commenced  going  in  1843, 
and  made  his  last  voyage  in  1881.  He  never  had 
occasion  to  call  upon  the  underwriters  for  a  cent  of 
damage  to  his  vessel,  or  cargo.  The  only  disasters 
he  ever  met  with  was  the  carrying  away  a  jib-boom, 
the  loss  of  a  man  and  a  main-topmast.  Allowing 
fifty  days  for  an  average  passage  to  and  from  that 
port,  Capt.  Tucker  has  passed  four  thousand  six 
hundred  and  fifty  days  of  his  life  on  the  water,  or 
nearly  thirteen  years. 
What  an  experience  has  been  his,  sailing  smoothly  over  tropical  seas, 
'neath  Summer  skies,  now  and  then  interspersed  with  the  sudden  squalls  so 
prevalent  in  those  latitudes,  running  along  the  low  coast  of  South  America, 
looking  out  for  the  lightship  off  the  Surinam  river,  running  in  and  anchor- 
ing off  the  city,  receiving  the  congratulations  of  friends,  visiting  plantations 
and  enjoying  the  many  pleasures  of  that  country.  Then,  on  the  other  hand, 
coming  home  on  a  Winter's  coast,  experiencing  all  the  hardships  connected 
therewith ;  oftentimes  being  blown  off  for  a  week  after  sighting  the  land, 
beating  about  in  the  bay,  'mid  storm  and  cold,  with  anxious  hours  by  day 
and  night,  longing  to  get  into  port  and  come  safely  to  anchor. 

The  Surinam  trade,  once  the  pride  of  old  Gloucester,  has  long  since  de- 
parted, and  there  are  but  few  American  vessels  now  engaged  therein.  The 
old  captains  who  were  wont  to  walk  these  streets  and  whose  presence  was 
so  warmly  welcomed,  have  also,  for  the  most  part,  gone  their  last  voyage 
and  found  a  haven  beyond.  We  call  to  mind  among  these,  the  brothers 
Foster,  Thomas,  Jere.,  Benjamin  and  Joseph;  the  Say  ward  brothers,  John 
and  Samuel ;  the  brothers  Center,  Solomon  and  Loami ;  Capts.  William 
Grover,  James  Rowe,  Solomon  H.  Davis,  Francis  Procter,  David  S.  Day, 
John  Corliss,  William  H.  Herrick  and  his  son  William  E.  Herrick,  Averil 
Rowe,  Joseph  Procter,  Edward  Babson,  Charles  Fitz  and  Eben  Higgins. 
Among  those  living  are,  Capts.  John  Hawson,  Nehemiah  D.  Cunningham, 
John  A.  Pulcifer,  Charles  A.  Homans  and  others. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  197 

Eecollections  of  a  Veteran  Fisherman. 

BY   S.    B.    BROWN. 

When  I  first  went  to  Gloucester,  in  1832,  John  Wonson,  of  the  Point, 
owned  five  small  vessels,  viz. — the  Confidence,  Lucy,  Jane,  Luanda,  and  Benev- 
olence. Edward  Wonson,  his  son,  was  master  of  the  Benevolence,  and  another 
son,  John,  was  master  of  the  Lucinda.  I  made  one  trip  with  Edward  Won- 
son in  August,  1832.  Our  crew  consisted  of  old  Charlie  Wonson  of  Rocky 
Neck,  Reuben  Rich  of  Cape  Cod,  Joseph  Wonson  and  James  Green  of  the 
Point,  and  myself.  We  had  bad  luck,  so  we  made  but  one  trip.  The  next 
year  I  went  to  Gloucester,  hunted  up  my  old  skipper,  who  was  still  master 
of  the  same  boat,  and  went  with  him  that  season. 

I  recollect  well  the  great  school  of  mackerel  that  struck  Middle  Bank 
that  year.  Sept.  22d,  at  ten  o'clock  at  night,  there  were  some  two  hundred 
sail  at  anchor,  twenty-five  miles  southeast  of  Eastern  Point  light,  in  a  dead 
calm,  when  our  skipper  sang  out,  "  Here  they  are,  boys ! "  At  the  same 
moment  every  vessel  in  the  fleet  commenced  the  catch.  We  fished  for  three 
days  and  filled  everything,  even  our  boat,  and  struck  on  deck  until  we  were 
in  fish  knee-deep.  Then,  a  breeze  springing  up,  we  ran  in  and  packed  out 
two  hundred  and  eighty  barrels,  and  returned  to  the  Bank  just  as  the  wind 
left  us.  We  fished  three  days  more,  when  they  struck  off  as  suddenly  as 
they  had  come. 

Now,  just  as  I  have  got  a  range  of  memory  overhauled  and  am  picking  up 
a  few  incidents,  the  "Advertiser"  comes  in.  I  stop  writing  and  open  the 
dear  old  sheet,  when  the  first  article  that  meets  my  eyes  is,  "  Around  the 
Wharves  of  old  Old  Gloucester  Half  a  Century  Ago,"  in  which  I  find  much 
that  I  was  familiar  with,  as  vessels  belonging  to  S.  W.  Brown,  the  Lapwing, 
John  Edgar,  master,  Henrietta,  Reform,  etc.,  etc.,  and  others  belonging  to 
Epes  Merchant  &  Son.  I  knew  John  and  Harry  Pew,  when  in  the  Volant 
and  Romeo,  and  John  Hammond  of  the  Brilliant,  afterwards  of  the  Warrior, 
of  same  owners. 

In  April,  1837,  I  came  on  the  coast  in  the  brig  Oak  of  Baltimore,  from 
Smyrna,  for  Boston.  When  on  Georges  we  ran  into  the  fleet  of  fishermen 
at  anchor,  just  at  daybreak.  Spoke  sch.  Fair  America,  John  Wonson,  mas- 
ter, wind  blowing  heavy  from  south-southwest,  with  snow.  Capt.  WTonson 
informed  us,  in  language  peculiar  to  himself,  that  he  would  not  heave  up 
his  anchor,  but  would  sink  her  first.  It  was  generally  supposed  that  he  did 
go  down,  as  he  was  never  known  to  be  spoken  afterwards.  We  ran  in  com- 
pany with  the  smack  Ben.  Franklin,  Ben.  Norwood,  master,  which  went 


198 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


down  in  the  same  gale.  She  was  owned  by  S.  W.  Brown.  She  and  the  sch. 
Canton  came  out  new  that  Spring,  and  were  rivals ;  they  both  left  the  Bank 
at  the  same  time,  and  both  carried  sail  heavily ;  but,  as  both  captains  were 
much  censured  at  the  time  for  carrying  sail  so  heavily,  I  will  only  say  we 
saw  the  Franklin  come  up  in  the  wind,  evidently  to  shake  the  snow  from 
her  sails  in  a  heavy  snow  squall,  after  which  we  saw  no  more  of  her.  After 
it  cleared  somewhat,  we  saw  the  Canton  under  snug  sail.  I  went  to  Glouc- 
ester that  Summer  and  sailed  in  sch.  Clarion,  Capt.  James  Elwell. 

Since  I  left  Gloucester  I  have  visited  a  great  many  ports  of  the  world, 
and  in  whatever  place  I  found  a  Cape  Ann  man,  if  in  want,  he  had  half  of 
my  pile,  if  necessary,  and  so  it  would  be  to-day. 

The  place  then  called  the  "Farms,"  between  the  old  Farm  Ledge  and 
the  stone  barn  once  belonging  to  Mr.  Manning,  always  had  a  great  attrac- 
tion for  me.  If  I  could  talk  with  you  I  could  tell  you  much  of  old  Glouces- 
ter. I  used  to  know  every  point  of  interest  between  Kettle  Cove  (now 
Magnolia)  down  to  Sandy  Bay  (now  Rockpoft). 

But  I  will  not  put  any  more  thoughts  on  paper,  but  will  say  in  conclusion, 
whatever  fate  may  be  mine,  there  are  friends  in  old  Gloucester  that  I  shall 
cherish  while  I  am  conscious,  although  they  have  lost  all  knowledge  of  me 
for  over  forty  years.  They  are  still  held  in  the  same  esteem  as  if  they  were 
friends  of  yesterday.  Those  days  are  remembered  as  the  happiest  of  my 
life,  and  my  last  dying  wish  will  be — God  bless  and  prosper  old  Gloucester 
and  all  her  children  and  interests.  I  am  no  writer,  only  an  old  wornout 
sailor,  waiting  the  word  to  cross  over  to  a  higher  life. 

I  was  well  acquainted  with  Edward  Wonson,  Chester  Marr,  Sr.,  Nathan- 
iel Webster,  Sr.,  James  Hibbard,  James  Elwell,  Ben.  Elwell,  Albert  Mar- 
chant,  Simeon  Burnham,  James  Marchant,  each  of  the  elder  Peabodys,  Ad- 
dison Merchant,  James  Pattillo,  and  hundreds  of  others.  Most  of  the  old 
stock  are  probably  dead,  say — Phil.  Priestly,  Capt.  Charles  Wood,  and  Capt. 
George  Brown  of  the  sloop  Henry,  which  ran  forty-five  years  ago  as  a 
freighter  to  Boston. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  199 


Making  a  Harbor  in  a  Snow  Storm. 

BY    J.    W.    COLLINS. 

No  incident  in  the  passage  home,  in  Winter,  causes  greater  anxiety  than 
that  of  approaching  the  land  during  an  easterly  wind,  which  is  almost  always 
a  stormy  one  on  our  coast.  The  fisherman,  anxious  to  reach  home,  piles  on 
the  canvas,  and  if  there  is  sufficient  wind  the  little  schooner  is  driven  to  her 
utmost.  As  long  as  the  weather  remains  clear  all  is  well ;  but  it  frequently 
happens  that  snow  storms  come  on  suddenly  just  at  that  critical  period  when 
the  vessel  is  nearing  the  land.  The  result  of  this  is  that  she  is  often  caught 
on  a  lee  shore,  with  a  fast  increasing  gale,  while  the  snow  is  so  dense  that 
even  the  most  daring  will  scarcely  venture  the  attempt  to  make  the  land, 
knowing  full  well  that  it  would  be  almost  madness  to  do  so.  The  only  al- 
ternative is  to  come  to  anchor  or  "  haul  off"  and  try  to  keep  off  the  rocks. 

The  following  ext'ract  may  serve  to  give  an  idea  of  the  difficulties  of  ap- 
proaching the  coast  in  a  storm,  even  in  comparatively  moderate  weather. 
These  difficulties  are  much  increased  when  the  wind  blows  a  gale,  and  many 
thrilling  adventures  have  been  encountered  in  Massachusetts  Bay  by  the 
Gloucester  fishermen  while  endeavoring  to  make  a  harbor  : 

On  Thursday,  Jan.  16,  1879,  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  Thacher's 
Island  lights  were  in  sight  from  deck.  At  this  time  there  was  a  slight  breeze 
from  the  southeast,  but  it  soon  died  out,  and  we  lay  becalmed  with  the 
exception  of  occasional  cat's  paws,  which  came  from  all  points  of  the  com- 
pass. There  were  indications  of  a  storm,  which  gave  me  much  uneasiness. 
My  anticipations  were  soon  realized,  for  it  began  to  snow  before  daylight, 
and  in  a  few  minutes  the  air  was  full  of  the  soft  feathery  flakes,  which  effect- 
ually shut  out  from  view  every  object  at  a  greater  distance  than  one  or  two 
hundred  fathoms.  All  hands  were  called  out  to  pound  the  ice  off  of  our 
cable  and  running  rigging,  since  it  is  of  the  highest  importance  to  have 
everything  ready  for  anchoring  or  taking  in  sail  when  approaching  the  land, 
especially  in  thick  weather.  Although  it  continued  calm  during  the  early 
part  of  the  forenoon,  the  barometer  fell  very  rapidly,  giving  indications  of 
an  approaching  gale,  which  might  be  expected  in  a  few  hours  ;  consequently 
I  determined  to  make  the  land  if  possible.  One  of  the  most  unpleasant  and 
dangerous  positions  that  one  can  be  in  is  to  be  caught  on  a  lee  shore  in 
Winter  when  an  easterly  gale  is  accompanied — as  it  generally  is — by  a 
blinding  snow  storm. 

About  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon  the  wind  breezed  up  from  the  southeast 
and  increased  quite  fast.     We  ran  for  Eastern  Point  as  nearly  as  I  could 


2oo  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

judge,  the  various  courses  and  distances  which  we  had  steered  during  the 
morning,  in  consequence  of  the  baffling  winds,  rendering  it  somewhat  uncer- 
tain in  what  direction  the  Point  lay  from  us.  Soon  after  the  wind  came, 
the  snow  cleared  up  so  that  objects  could  be  seen  about  a  mile  distant. 
We  saw  a  shore  fishing  vessel — a  haddock  catcher — coming  astern,  and 
wishing  to  speak  with  her  we  hauled  our  sheets  aft  and  let  her  run  up  on 
us.  She  proved  to  be  the  David  F.  Low,  bound  to  Gloucester,  having  run 
across  from  Cape  Cod.  She  ran  ahead  of  us  a  little  way,  and  just  before 
we  saw  the  land  the  snow  came  down  so  thick  that  we  lost  sight  of  her. 

Knowing  that  we  were  close  in  and  fast  approaching  the  shore,  all  hands 
were  on  deck  and  on  the  alert  to  do  any  duty  which  circumstances  might 
demand.  A  dozen  pairs  of  eyes  peered  out  ahead,  anxiously  watching  to 
catch  a  glimpse  of  the  land  or  breakers.  A  few  minutes  later  the  thrilling 
cry  of,  "Land  ho !  breakers  ahead ! "  came  from  a  half  dozen  at  once,  and 
a  line  of  white  foam  and  the  snow-covered  shore  above  it  were  indistinctly 
seen  to  leeward.  "Hard  down!  hard  down  the  helm!"  was  the  order 
shouted  to  the  wheelsman,  for  so  close  in  were  we  that  any  delay  in  chang- 
ing the  course  of  the  vessel  must  have  resulted  in  piling  her  up  on  the 
rocks.  As  the  wheel  was  put  down  and  the  vessel  came  to  the  wind,  most 
of  the  men,  in  obedience  to  orders,  quickly  pulled  in  the  sheets,  while  the 
rest  of  us  strained  our  eyes  to  make  out  some  familiar  object  on  the  shore 
whereby  we  might  be  certain  of  our  position. 

We  made  the  land  a  little  to  the  westward  of  Bass  Rocks.  When  we  first 
saw  it  we  were  running  in  with  the  sails  on  the  port  side,  the  wind  at  that 
time  blowing  a  smart  breeze  from  south-southeast,  and  as  we  hauled  to,  just 
clearing  the  surf  on  the  shore,  we  fortunately  saw  and  recognized  the  Sum- 
mer houses  which  are  only  a  short  distance  from  the  water.  As  soon  as  I 
was  sure  of  our  "land  fall,"  we  tacked  and  ran  for  Eastern  Point,  following 
the  line  of  breakers  along  the  shore  as  near  as  safety  permitted.  Every  eye 
was  now  on  the  watch  for  well-known  land-marks,  and  soon  the  spray  dash- 
ing over  Brace's  Cove  Rock  was  seen,  and  a  few  minutes  later  we  went 
sweeping  in  by  the  Point,  near  enough  to  it  to  catch  a  momentary  glimpse 
of  the  white  tower  of  the  lighthouse,  and  to  hear  the  hoarse-toned  fog-bell 
which  rang  out  its  notes  of  warning. 

We  could  now  laugh  at  the  storm,  and  the  broad  grin  which  appeared  on 
the  bronzed  faces  of  many  of  our  crew  and  the  shrugging  and  chuckling  of 
others  gave  ample  evidence  of  the  general  feeling  of  satisfaction  among  all 
hands. 

After  anchoring,  I  went  ashore  and  sold  the  trip  of  fish,  but,  as  there 
were  strong  indications  of  a  coming  gale,  and  the  wind  already  blew  strong, 
we  decided  to  let  the  vessel  remain  in  the  stream  until  the  next  day.  Before 
the  men  went  home  we  let  go  the  second  anchor  and  made  all  necessary 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


20I 


preparations  for  the  safety  of  the  vessel.  As  soon  as  the  work  was  com- 
pleted we  went  ashore,  some  going  to  their  boarding  houses  and  others  to 
their  homes.  The  increasing  wind  whirled  and  blustered  the  fast  falling 
snow  in  a  manner  that  was  anything  but  pleasant  to  the  wayfarers  who  were 
obliged,  as  we  were,  to  meet  and  face  the  storm. 

My  family,  the  members  of  which  had  been  picturing  me  as  struggling 
with  the  tempest  at  sea,  received  an  unexpected  and  pleasant  surprise  when, 
with  my  rubber  suit  on  and  covered  with  snow,  I  opened  the  kitchen  door 
and  suddenly  entered  the  room.  One  general  exclamation  of,  "O !  father," 
came  from  my  children,  as  they  sprang  with  open  arms  to  greet  me.  The 
joy  of  such  meetings  can,  however,  be  better  imagined  than  described ;  suf- 
fice it  to  say  that  such  are  the  brightest  spots,  the  oases,  so  to  speak,  in  a 
fisherman's  life,  and  none  but  those  who  have  been  separated  under  similar 
circumstances  from  those  they  love  can  realize  the  pleasure  of  such  home 
comings : 

"  It  scatters  sunshine  o'er  our  way, 
And  turns  our  thorns  to  roses ; 
It  changes  weary  night  to  day, 
And  hope  and  love  discloses." 


AN    OLD    BOAT. 


I  passed  a  boat,  to-day,  on  the  shore, 
That  will  be  launched  on  the  sea  no  more. 

Worn  and  battered — the  straight  keel  bent, 
The  side,  like  a  ruined  rampart,  rent. 

Left  alone,  with  no  covering, 

For  who  would  steal  such  a  useless  thing? 

It  was  shapely  once,  when  the  shipwright's 

hand 
Had  laid  each  plank  as  the  master  planned ; 

And  it  danced  for  joy  on  the  curling  wave, 
When  first  the  sea's  broad  breast  it  clave. 

And  it  felt  the  pulse  of  the  well-timed  stroke 


That  rang  on  the  thole-pin  of  tuneful  oak. 

Oft  it  has  carried  home  the  spoil 
Of  fishers,  tired  with  night-long  toil; 

And  often,  in  Summer  days,  it  knew 
The  laugh  of  a  pleasure-seeking  crew ; 

Or,  launched  by  night  on  the  blinding  waves, 
It  has  rescued  a  life  from  the  sea's  dark 
graves. 

It  is  useless  now  as  it  lies  on  the  beach, 
Drawn  high  beyond  the  billow's  reach ; 

And  none  of  all  it  has  served  in  stress 
Remember  it  now  in  its  loneliness. 


202  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Hand-Line  Mackerel  Fishing. 

BY    AARON     LIGHTFOOT. 

The  amount  of  moral  courage  and  Christian  fortitude  required  for  a  lands- 
man to  get  up  out  of  a  comfortable  bed  and  struggle  up  on  a  cold,  wet, 
cheerless  deck  to  handle  cold,  wet  lines  and  colder,  wetter  fish,  all  for  the 
"experience,"  will  never  be  known  except  by  those  who  have  allowed  them- 
selves to  be  deluded  into  the  thing.  It  is  diabolical.  Now  the  mainsail  is 
up,  the  jib  down,  and  the  captain  is  throwing  bait.  It  is  not  yet  quite  light, 
but  we  hear  other  mainsails  going  up  all  around  us.  A  cold,  drizzling  rain 
does  not  add  to  the  comfort  of  the  situation,  and  we  stand  around  shivering, 
half  asleep,  with  our  sore  hands  in  our  wet  pockets,  about  as  "demmed, 
moist,  uncomfortable  bodies,"  as  ever  dear  old  Mantilini  saw,  and  all  wish- 
ing we  were  home,  and  had  never  heard  of  a  mackerel.  The  skipper,  how- 
ever, is  holding  his  lines  over  the  rail  with  an  air  which  clearly  intimates 
that  the  slightest  kind  of  a  nibble  will  be  quite  sufficient  this  morning  to  seal 
the  doom  of  the  unfortunate  mack. 

"There,  by  Jove  !  the  captain's  hauling  back — I  told  you  so !  Skipper's 
got  him — no — ah,  captain,  you  haul  back  too  savagely ! " 

With  the  first  movement  of  the  captain's  arm  indicating  the  presence  of 
fish,  everybody  rushes  madly  to  the  rail,  and  jigs  are  heard  on  all  sides 
plashing  into  the  water,  and  eager  hands  and  arms  are  stretched  at  their 
full  length  over  the  side,  feeling  anxiously  for  a  nibble. 

"  Sh — hish  ! "  there's  something  just  passed  my  fly — I  felt  him,"  says  an 
old  man  standing  alongside  of  me.  "  Yes,  and  I've  got  him,"  triumphantly 
shouts  out  the  next  man  on  the  other  side  of  him,  hauling  in,  as  he  speaks, 
a  fine  mackerel  and  striking  him  off  into  the  parrel  in  the  most  approved 
style. 

Z-z-z-zip  goes  my  line  through  and  deep  into  my  poor  fingers,  as  a  huge 
fellow  rushes  savagely  away  with  what  he  finds  is  not  so  great  a  prize  as  he 
fondly  supposed.  I  get  greatly  flurried,  miss  stroke  half  a  dozen  times  in 
as  many  fathoms  of  line,  and  at  length  succeed  in  landing  my  first  fish  safe- 
ly in  my  barrel,  where  he  lies  floundering,  "melancholy  and  melodious,"  as 
my  next  neighbor  styles  it. 

Daylight  soon  dawns,  and  the  rain,  which  has  been  threatening  very 
moistly  all  night,  begins  to  pour  down  in  dead  earnest  j  and  as  the  big  drops 
patter  in  the  sea  the  fish  begin  to  bite  furiously. 

"  Shorten  up ! "  says  the  skipper,  and  we  shorten  in  our  lines  to  about 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  203 

eight  feet  from  the  rail  to  the  hooks,  when  we  can  fork  them  in  just  as  fast 
as  .we  can  move  our  hands  and  arms.  "Keep  your  lines  clear !"  is  now  the 
word,  as  the  doomed  fish  flip  faster  and  faster  into  the  barrels.  Every  face 
wears  an  expression  of  anxious  determination.  Everybody  moves  as  though 
he  had  a  full  set  of  very  elastic  springs  within  him ;  every  heart  beats  loud 
with  excitement,  and  every  hand  hauls  in  fish  and  throws  out  hooks  with  a 
method ;  cool  precision,  a  kind  of  slow  haste,  which  unites  the  greatest 
speed  with  the  utmost  security  against  foul  lines. 

The  rain  momentarily  increases.  We  hear  jibs  rattling  down  j  and  glanc- 
ing up  hastily  I  am  surprised  to  find  our  vessel  surrounded  on  all  sides  by 
the  fleet,  which  has  already  become  aware  that  we  have  fish  alongside. 

Meantime  the  wind  rises,  the  sea  struggles  against  the  rain,  which  is  en- 
deavoring with  its  steady  patter  to  quiet  the  turmoil  of  old  ocean.  We  are 
already  on  our  third  barrel  of  fish,  each,  and  still  they  come  as  fast  as  ever, 
and  the  business  (sport  it  ceased  to  be  some  time  ago)  continues  with  undi- 
minished vigor.  Streams  of  perspiration  course  down  our  faces.  Jackets, 
caps,  and  even  our  shirts  are  thrown  off  to  give  greater  freedom  to  limbs 
that  are  worked  to  their  utmost. 

"Hello!  where  are  the  fish?"  calls  out  somebody;  and  sure  enough,  all 
at  once  the  whole  business  comes  to  a  standstill — the  fish  have  apparently 
"shut  up  shop"  and  gone  home,  for  not  the  faintest  nibble  does  one  fisher- 
man get.  The  mackerel,  which  a  moment  ago  were  fairly  rushing  on  board, 
have  in  that  moment  disappeared  so  completely  that  not  a  sign  of  one  is  left. 
The  vessel  next  under  our  lee  holds  them  a  little  longer  than  we,  but  they 
finally  also  disappear  from  her  side.     And  so  on  all  around  us. 

And  now  we  have  time  to  look  around  us ;  to  compare  notes  on  each 
other's  success  ;  to  straighten  our  backbones,  nearly  broken  and  aching  hor- 
ribly with  constantly  reaching  over ;  to  examine  our  fingers,  cut  to  pieces 
and  grown  as  sensatiorless  as  a  piece  of  salt  junk,  with  the  perpetual  drag- 
ging of  small  lines  across  them. 


2o4  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


"Setting  TJnder  Sail." 

BY   DICK   SKYLIGHT. 

The  term,  "set  under  sail,"  or  "  flying  set,"  implies  that  the  vessel,  instead 
of  being  anchored,  as  is  the  most  common  way  on  the  Banks  when  trawls  are 
to  be  set,  is  kept  under  way,  the  performance  taking  place  as  follows : 

If  a  "set  under  sail"  is  decided  upon,  the  depth  of  the  water  is  first  as- 
certained by  sounding  where  the  skipper  intends  to  set  his  apparatus  and 
begin  his  fishing.  He  then  directs  the  dories  to  be  made  ready.  This  sets 
all  hands  on  the  alert,  especially  the  crews  of  the  top  dories,  who  quickly 
arrange  in  them  the  buoys,  buoy-lines,  etc.,  that  are  required.  Having 
rigged  their  "  black-balls "  and  prepared  the  lines  for  running,  the  dories 
are  hoisted  over  the  rail,  where  they  are  left  to  hang  until  the  next  are  ready, 
when  they  are  lowered  into  the  water.  Dropping  aft  on  the  quarter,  they 
are  held  there  while  one  of  the  two  men  who  form  the  crew  leaps  in  and  re- 
ceives the  complement  of  trawls — an  operation  requiring  no  little  skill  and 
confidence  in  one's  sea-legs  when  the  water  is  at  all  rough.  This  done,  his 
mate  also  gets  in,  and  the  boat  is  paid  astern,  the  painter  being  fastened  to 
the  davit.  Meanwhile,  the  two  middle  and  the  bottom  dories  are  being  pre- 
pared and  hoisted  out  in  a  similar  way. 

When  the  six  dories  are  ready,  and  the  proper  time  has  arrived,  the  skip- 
per shouts  to  one  of  the  men  in  the  first  boat,  "  Heave  out  your  buoy ! " 
This  buoy,  remember,  marks  the  position  of  one  end  of  the  trawl,  for  to  it 
is  attached  the  anchor  which  holds  the  ground  line  in  its  place.  As  the  buoy- 
line  is  running  out  and  the  boat  is  about  to  be  cast  off,  the  skipper  instructs 
the  men  in  which  direction  to  row  while  setting  the  trawl.  This  is  gener- 
ally to  leeward  and  in  a  straight  line  at  right  angles  to  the  course  of  the 
vessel.  A  moment  later  the  same  orders  are  given  to  the  next  dory's  crew 
for  setting  the  second  trawl  at  a  suitable  distance  from  the  first,  and  so  on 
until  the  whole  six  have  been  set  out.  Spread  along  in  this  way,  a  "gang" 
of  trawls  will  generally  cover  two  or  three  square  miles. 

The  act  of  setting  the  trawl  is  performed  in  the  following  manner :  *  Be- 
fore the  buoy-line  is  all  out,  one  of  the  men  lifts  a  skate  of  trawl  on  to  the 
after  thwart  and  attaches  the  end  of  the  trawl  to  the  anchor,  which  he 
throws  overboard.  Then,  while  his  mate  rows  away,  he  lets  the  trawls  go 
out,  throwing  hook  after  hook,  so  that  they  shall  not  become  fouled.    When 

♦This  description  of  setting  a  halibut  trawl  will  answer  equally  well  for  a  cod  or  haddock 
trawl,  the  only  difference  being  that  the  latter  are  stowed  in  tubs  instead  of  skates,  and  the 
hooks  are  closer  together. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  205 

one  skate  is  out  another  is  knotted  to  it,  and  the  performance  goes  on  until 
all  of  the  trawl  is  disposed  of.  When  the  end  of  it  is  reached  it  is  bent  to 
the  last  anchor  and  buoy,  these  also  being  thrown,  the  process  is  completed. 

The  first  crew  are  usually  nearly  done  with  their  work  by  the  time  the  ves- 
sel has  let  go  her  sixth  dory,  so  she  immediately  turns  back  and  picks  up  this 
and  the  other  boats  in  succession.  This  done,  she  lies  by  until  it  is  time  to 
haul,  when  the  vessel  is  run  along  from  buoy  to  buoy,  dropping  each  dory 
near  its  own  trawl.  The  holding  up  of  an  oar  is  a  signal  that  the  men  have 
finished  hauling  their  trawl  or  want  help,  seeing  which  the  vessel  runs  down 
and  receives  the  cargo  or  takes  the  boat  in  tow. 

The  act  of  "picking  up"  a  dory  while  under  sail  is  a  manoeuvre  requiring 
considerable  skill,  and  it  occasionally  happens  that  the  boat  is  struck  by  the 
vessel  and  the  occupants  are  thrown  into  the  water.  An  accident  of  this 
kind  happened  in  my  own  experience  in  the  Summer  of  1879.  Running 
the  vessel  to  leeward  of  one  of  our  dories,  I  put  the  wheel  down,  intending 
to  tack  short  of  her  and  lay  to  with  the  jib  to  windward  while  she  came 
alongside.  The  vessel  ranged  further  ahead  than  usual,  and  struck  the  dory 
a  glancing  blow  with  her  bow.  I  should  have  righted  the  wheel  and  cleared 
her,  but  a  man  sang  out  that  she  was  all  right,  and,  as  I  could  not  see  her 
myself,  I  supposed  she  was,  until  another  exclaimed,  "  My  God !  she's  hit 
the  dory,  and  there's  three  men  overboard." 

The  jib  had  caught  aback  at  this  time,  and  as  the  wheel  was  rolled  hard 
down,  I  shouted,  "  Heave  out  that  lee  dory  as  quick  as  you  can  and  pick 
them  up."  Running  to  assist  in  getting  the  dory  out,  I  saw  two  of  the 
men  climbing  over  the  vessel's  bow.  They  came  to  help  us,  exclaiming, 
"Sank's*  in  the  water;  let's  hurry  up."  Although  we  made  all  possible 
haste,  by  the  time  the  dory  was  well  clear  of  the  vessel's  side  with  two  men 
pulling  their  utmost,  I  saw  the  )ther  dory  uninjured  on  our  weather  quarter 
and  "Sank"  standing  in  her  dripping  wet,  his  face  streaming  with  blood. 
Like  the  others,  he  had  attempted  to  jump  and  catch  the  bowsprit  rigging, 
but  the  vessel's  bow  was  falling,  and  something  struck  his  head,  cutting  a 
gash  more  than  an  inch  long,  and  knocking  him  backward  into  the  water. 
Fortunately  he  was  not  stunned,  and  when  he  rose  to  the  surface  he  grasped 
the  gunwale  of  the  dory  and  hauled  himself  into  her.  Nothing  daunted  by 
his  mishap,  his  first  words  to  his  shipmates  were:  "I'm  the  proper  lad  to 
go  haddocking  ;f  it  don't  bother  me  much  to  be  run  down."  The  words 
were  uttered  with  a  carelessness  of  tone,  and  a  quiet  laugh  that  showed  an 
utter  disregard  of  such  dangers. 

*A  young  man  whom,  on  account  of  his  proficiency  in  singing  hymns,  we  nicknamed 
M  Sankey,"  and  this  had  become  abbreviated  into  "  Sank." 

fYessels  employed  in  the  "Winter  haddock  fisheries  almost  always  set  under  sail,  and  their 
men  are  therefore  more  liable  than  any  others  to  this  particular  accident. 


206 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


In  a  Fog  on  the  Banks. 


The  accompanying  engraving  gives 
a  vivid  illustration  of  one  of  the  dan- 
gers incident  to  the  fisheries — that  of 
being  run  down  in  the  fog  while  at 
anchor.  We  have  heard  of  numerous 
narrow  escapes  from  this  danger,  where 
a  slight  deviation  from  the  course  of 
the  vessel  under  sail,  or  a  moment's 
delay  in  changing  the  position  of  the 
vessel  at  anchor,  by  paying  out  the  ca- 
ble, would  have  added  another  to  the 
list  of  lost  fishermen.  It  is  supposed 
that  the  Guy  Cunningham  was  run 
down  by  a  steamer;  and  no  doubt 
many  others  of  whom  no  tidings  have 
been  heard,  have  shared  the  same  fate. 
During  the  night  a  light  is  kept  in  the 
rigging,  and  fog-horns  are  frequently  blown  during  the  day.  The  utmost 
precaution  is  necessary  to  avoid  the  dangers  which  a  thick  fog  engenders, 
and  the  lookout's  position  on  board  all  vessels  crossing  the  Banks,  as  well 
as  on  board  the  fishermen,  is  one  of  great  responsibility. 


Lines  on  the  Loss  of  Schooner  "  Guy  Cunningham,"  and  in  Memory  of  Her 
Master,  Captain   Daniel  O'Brien. 


'Twas  July  thirty,  eighty-one,  a  beauteous  Summer  day; 

The  schooner  staunch,  Guy  Cunningham,  for  Grand  Bank  sailed  away, 

Manned  by  a  crew  of  hardy  men — none  braver  ere  set  sail 

To  haul  the  trawl  in  Summer's  calm,  or  meet  the  Wintry  gale. 

Eight  fearless  men  of  the  thirteen  were  free  from  marriage  ties ; 
One's  darling  bairns  were  far  away,  beneath  the  Swedish  skies ; 
And  four  in  Gloucester  had  their  homes,  with  wives  and  children  dear, 
"When  for  the  Banks  they  sailed  away,  nor  thought  that  death  was  near. 

No  storms  arose  the  sea  to  vex;  no  angry  billows'  roar 
Disturbed  the  seamen's  hour  of  rest,  when  the  day's  toil  was  o'er ; 
Each  morn  the  laden  trawls  were  hauled,  the  finny  treasures  stored ; 
The  time  drew  nigh  when  safe  at  home  their  vessel  should  be  moored. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


207 


Alas !  that  such  a  peaceful  scene  should  hide  so  dread  a  foe ! 

Alas  I  that  no  precaution  can  guard  against  the  blow ! 

Alas !  that  sailors  brave  must  drown,  and  wives  and  children  weep, 

Though  winds  are  soft,  and  seas  are  smooth,  and  crews  their  vigils  keep! 

No  fear  of  ill  their  dreams  disturb — no  dread  of  danger  near — 
By  gentle  billows  rocked,  their  thoughts  are  with  their  loved  ones  dear. 
Out  from  the  mist  a  sail  gleams  forth — a  mammoth  hull  draws  nigh — 
A  shock  1  a  crash  1  the  crew  go  down  with  one  despairing  cry  1 

At  home  their  dear  ones  watch  and  wait,  and  wait  and  watch  in  vain ; 
The  sailor-husbands,  dearly  loved,  will  never  come  again. 
No  sturdier  crew  than  sailed  the  "  Guy"  e'er  manned  a  fishing  boat, 
None  braver  than  her  skipper  bold  e'er  trod  the  deck  afloat. 

An  aged  mother  mourns  the  son  she  soon  will  meet  above ; 
A  sister  mourns  a  brother  dear  whose  every  look  was  love ; 
A  widow  mourns  a  husband  true,  the  wreck  of  prospects  fair, 
And  children  three  are  left  behind  without  a  father's  care. 

The  five  days'  babe  he  left  behind  when  bidding  home  good-bye, 
Will  never  know  how  great  a  loss  that  deadly  hour  brought  nigh. 
But  God  is  good,  and  he  has  power  the  balm  of  peace  to  pour 
On  bleeding  hearts,  and  comfort  bring  from  out  his  bounteous  store. 


2o8  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


Around  the  Wharves  of  Old  Gloucester  Half 
a  Century  Ago. 

Names  of  Those  Then  Engaged  in  the  Fisheries,  with  the  Names  of  Most  of 
the  Fleet  and  Their  Skippers. 

As  we  thought  of  the  large  and  important  fishing  interests  of  Gloucester 
the  current  year  of  1882,  with  the  fleet  of  first-class  schooners,  employing 
at  sea  and  on  land  nearly  six  thousand  men,  with  their  annual  product  ex- 
ceeding four  millions  of  dollars,  we  had  a  strong  desire  to  give  a  pen  picture 
of  the  appearance  of  the  wharves,  and  recall  to  mind  the  fishing  owners  and 
some  of  the  skippers  and  vessels  which  constituted  the  fishing  interest  of 
the  town  of  Gloucester  half  a  century  ago. 

To  this  end  we  held  pleasant  interviews  with  Messrs.  William  Babson, 
George  Merchant,  Gorham  Parsons,  Epes  W.  Merchant,  Stephen  J.  Martin, 
B.  H.  Corliss  and  George  W.  Plumer,  and  from  them  have  gained  the  fol- 
lowing facts.  There  may  possibly  be  a  few  trifling  discrepancies,  but  the 
account  in  the  main  will  be  found  correct. 

In  imagination,  reader,  let  us  take  a  walk  about  the  wharves,  see  who 
was  carrying  on  the  business,  look  at  the  vessels  and  have  a  chat  with  some 
of  the  skippers  of  1830-31-32.  Commencing  near  the  Fort,  we  find  the 
remains  of  a  cob  and  ballast  wharf,  on  the  site  of  Messrs.  Cunningham  & 
Thompson's  premises,  then  owned  by  Gorham  Parsons  and  occupied  by 
John  W.  Lowe  and  Joseph  Johnson  Procter,  which  was  in  rather  a  dilapi- 
dated condition  and  but  little  used.  Then  came  a  graving  dock  occupied 
by  the  Gaffney  Brothers,  where  vessels  were  hauled  up  for  repairs,  and  for 
caulking  and  graving. 

The  wharf  of  Messrs.  Maddocks  &  Co.,  which,  of  course,  has  been 
greatly  improved  since  those  days,  was  then  occupied  by  Matthew  Gaffney 
and  William  Ellery,  who  carried  on  the  fishing  business  under  the  firm  name 
of  Ellery  &  Gaffney.  Their  vessels  were  as  follows  :  Schs.  Harvey  Birch, 
Capt.  J.  M.  Parsons ;  Sevo,  Rising  Empire,  and  Ida,  the  latter  commanded 
by  Capt.  Job  Rowe,  and  the  Charles.  The  Amazon  also  fitted  with  them 
and  was  owned  by  Daniel  Gaffney. 

Joseph  Johnson  Procter  and  John  W.  Lowe  also  occupied  the  wharf  then 
known  as  Mechanics'  wharf,  now  owned  by  Messrs.  Swett  &  Co.  Their 
vessels  were :  Sarah,  Tarn  O'Shanter,  Metamora,  Euphrates,  Triumph,  Supe- 
rior, and  perhaps  others. 

Samuel  Gilbert  then  carried  on  the  fisheries  at  the  wharf   next  to  the 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  209 

Town  Landing,  then  and  now  known  as  Gilbert's  wharf,  occupied  at  pres- 
ent by  Francis  W.  Homans.  His  fleet  comprised  the  Phoenix ;  Economy, 
Capt.  Jonathan  Gilbert ;  Sea  Serpent,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Thurston ;  Addison, 
Arab ;  and  Shamrock,  William  Marshall,  skipper. 

James  Mansfield  &  Sons'  came  next.  Wharf  now  occupied  and  the  busi- 
ness continued  by  successors  under  the  same  style.  The  wharf  extended 
far  out  into  the  harbor  on  account  of  the  flats.  They  owned  and  fitted 
schs.  Susan  and  Eliza,  Capt.  Elias  H.  Day ;  Abigail,  Capt.  William  Shackel- 
ford ;  Arm  and  Mary,  Capt.  John  M.  Parsons.  The  last-named  schooner 
was  scuttled  inside  of  Rocky  Neck  during  the  war  of  1812,  to  preserve  her 
from  the  English  cruisers.  The  rigging  and  materials  were  stored  in  the 
barn  of  the  old  Low  mansion  house  in  Town  Parish.  After  the  war,  Mr. 
William  Pew  went  master  of  her,  and  in  three  Grand  Bank  trips  in  one  year 
stocked  $10,000,  without  bounty  and  oil.  Their  other  vessels  were:  Dili- 
gent, Mary  Elizabeth;  Industry,  Capt.  George  Gerring ;  Active ;  Leader,  Capt. 
Samuel  Curtis ;  Friendship,  Capt.  Gorham  Riggs ;  and  Hornet. 

Next  to  the  Mansfields'  came  the  wharf  then  owned  by  Zachariah  Stevens, 
where  the  Riggs  Brothers  subsequently  carried  on  the  fishing  business. 

The  wharf  now  owned  by  Charles  H.  Boynton  was  then  owned  by  Charles 
L.  Roberts,  who  had  the  schs.  Frances  and  Elizabeth,  Mary,  and  perhaps 
others.  • 

Dr.  Coffin's  adjoined  this.  It  was  a  small  wharf  and  a  noted  resort,  where 
Town  Meeting  orators,  waxing  warm  with  each  other  in  the  discussion  of 
local  affairs,  would  adjourn  to  and  fight  it  out.  It  was  the  scene  of  many  a 
hotly  contested  rough-and-tumble  fight  over  questions  which  agitated  the 
minds  of  those  who  were  interested  in  town  affairs — and  perhaps  had  im- 
bibed too  much  of  the  famous  New  England  rum  of  that  period.  There 
was  not  much  business  done  at  this  wharf,  as  it  served  more  for  a  landing 
place  for  small  boats.  Mr.  Gorham  Burnham  commenced  his  blacksmith- 
ing  business  at  this  wharf. 

Next  to  Dr.  Coffin's  was  the  Central  Wharf,  now  owned  by  Charles  H. 
Boynton.  For  many  years  it  was  occupied  by  David  Pearce,  who  was  largely 
engaged  in  the  West  India  trade.  William  Pearce  &  Sons  had  a  distillery 
on  this  wharf,  which  was  destroyed  in  the  great  fire  of  1830.  Cargoes  of 
Surinam  molasses  were  here  landed  and  made  into  rum.  There  were  also 
two  small  wharves  adjoining,  owned  respectively  by  Abraham  Sawyer  and 
Daniel  Gaffney. 

William  Parsons,  Jr.,  had  the  wharf  now  owned  by  George  Steele.  He 
owned  and  fitted  schs.  Peacock,  Capt.  Benjamin  Rowe ;  Hussah,  Capt.  John 
Blatchford ;  Herald;  Amaranth,  Capt.  George  Blatchford  ;  Mariner,  Capt. 
Charles  Wood ;  Henrietta,  Capt.  William  Dolliver ;  William,  Capt.  William 
Blatchford ;  Six  Brothers,  and  the  Illinois. 


2io  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Then  came  the  wharf  of  Joseph  Smith,"now  part  of  the  property  of  Messrs. 
Clark  &  Somes. 

Frederick  G.  Low  had  a  large  wharf  on  the  site  known  as  the  Sargent 
wharf,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  John  G.  Bennett.  He  was  largely  engaged  in 
the  wood  and  coal  business. 

John  Honnors'  wharf  was  a  portion  of  the  wharf  property  now  owned  by 
Mr.  Robert  Fears  on  Duncan  street.  He  owned  and  fitted  schs.  Nymph, 
Glide,  Favorite,  Yarico,  Ariel,  Myrrh,  and  Ospray. 

Where  the  gas  wharf,  now  is  was  a  stone  wharf  occupied  by  Mr.  Calvin 
Swift,  engaged  in  the  fish  oil  business. 

Sargent's  wharf  then  occupied  the  premises  now  known  as  Andrew  Leigh- 
ton's  wharf.  There  was  also  a  small  wharf  adjoining,  known  as  Caswell's 
wharf,  used  for  the  graving  business. 

The  Col.  Pearce  wharf  occupied  the  site  of  the  wharf  property  of  Michael 
Walen  &  Son.  This  property  has  been  greatly  changed  and  improved.  It 
was  a  great  wharf  in  those  times,  where  foreign  commerce  was  carried  on, 
and  was  the  scene  of  great  business  activity. 

In  Vincent's  Cove  there  was  a  small  wharf,  the  premises  now  owned  by 
B.  F.  Cook.  It  was  then  owned  by  Samuel  Caswell.  Then  came  a  little 
wharf,  now  owned  by  John  Nelson,  and  Capt.  Israel  Trask's  wharf,  where 
Chresten  Nelson  is  now  engaged  in  business. 

At  Vincent's  Point,  Messrs.  Caswell  &  Leighton  carried  on  the  fisheries, 
now  known  as  William  H.  Friend's  wharf.  They  owned  schs.  Ontario,  Is- 
aac Day,  master;  Volant,  Benjamin  Rowe,  master;  Lady  of  the  Lake,  Cyrus 
Story,  master  ;  Decatur,  Monroe,  Robert  Rantoul,  and  a  freighter  commanded 
by  Capt.  Benjamin  Brooks,  of  Rockport. 

Brown  &  Woodbury's  wharf,  since  purchased  by  John  Pew  &  Son,  form- 
ing one  of  their  four  wharves  at  Rowe's  Bank,  came  next.  Among  the  ves- 
sels which  they  owned  and  fitted,  were  schs.  Lapwing,  Reform,  Antelope ; 
Enterprise,  Capt.  Jonathan  Burnham ;  Henrietta,  Capt.  Gorham  Riggs ;  Ol- 
ive Branch,  Capt.  Samuel  Dowle  j  Falcon,  and  Independence. 

Where  George  Todd's  coal  wharf  now  is  was  at  that  time  occupied  by 
Richard  Friend  &  Sons,  who  owned  and  fitted  schs.  Monticello,  Capt.  Joseph 
Herrick ;  Martha  Washington,  Capt.  George  Watson ;  Cion,  Capt.  John 
Blatchford ;  Laurel,  Capt.  George  Blatchford ;  Columbus,  Capt.  Lemuel 
Friend  ;  Three  Sisters,  Capt.  Josiah  Norwood ;  President,  Capt.  William  S. 
Friend  ;  Branch,  Capt.  Simeon  Burnham ;  Splendid,  a  freighter,  Capt.  Fred- 
eric Norwood  ;  Four  Sisters,  a  freighter  commanded  by  Capt.  Simeon  Burn- 
ham ;  Emerald,  Capt.  James  Norwood  ;  and  Olinda. 

Epes  Merchant  &  Son  carried  on  business  at  the  wharf  now  owned  by 
Sylvanus  Smith.  The  vessels  they  owned  and  fitted  were  the  Wasp,  Capt. 
Charles   Merchant ;   Emblem,  Capt.   Elisha  Smith ;    Orontes,   Capt.   Henry 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  211 

Merchant ;  Brilliant,  Capt.  John  Hammond  ;  Volant,  Capt.  John  Pew  ;  Ro- 
meo, Capt.  Henry  Pew ;  Paragon,  Capt.  William  Tarr. 

William  Parkhurst  had  a  small  wharf  near  the  premises  now  owned  by 
Messrs.  Shute  &  Merchant.  He  owned  and  fitted  schs.  Fair  American,  Capt. 
John  Wonson ;  Ida,  of  which  he  was  master ;  and  the  Science,  owned  and. 
commanded  by  Capt.  David  Parkhurst. 

At  Deacon  Andrew  Parker's  wharf,  now  owned  by  Charles  Harriman,  was 
the  sch.  Brainard,  of  which  he  was  master  and  owner ;  also  the  Good  Intent-,, 
Capt.  Charles  Brown. 

On  the  premises  now  occupied  by  Sayward  Brothers  was  a  small  wharf 
or  landing  where  two  vessels  were  owned  and  fitted  by  Daniel  Sayward  & 
Sons — schs.  Helen  Marr  and  Delegate. 

There  was  not  a  building  or  wharf  on  the  Plain,  or  at  Clay  Cove,  with,  the 
exception  of  a  small  landing  belonging  to  Daniel  Norwood,  at  the  foot  of 
what  is  now  Hammond  street. 

At  East  Gloucester,  Benjamin  Parsons  had  a  small  wharf  at  what  is  now 
the  premises  of  William  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co.  He  owned  and  fitted  schs.  Su- 
san Eliza,  B.  Parsons,  Jr.,  master ;  Protector,  Martha  Eliza,  and  others. 

John  Wonson's  wharf  was  on  the  site  of  that  now  occupied  by  William 
C.  Wonson  &  Co.  He  owned  and  fitted  schs.  Benevolence,  Licandas,, Essex, 
Conjtdence,  boat  Lucy,  and  others. 

Giles  &  Wonson,  on  the  premises  now  occupied  by  Wonson^  Brothers,  and 
previously  by  George  F.  Wonson  &  Co.,  owned  and  fitted  schs..  Nautilus,  J. 
F.  Wonson,  master ;  Forest,  Capt.  Stephen  Rich ;  Good  Hope,  Augusta,  Mt. 
Vernon,  Eagle,  llger,  and  others. 

There  was  also  a  small  landing  near  the  premises  now  occupied  by  the 
Ferry  Landing,  owned  by  Benjamin  Smith.  There  was  no>  wharf  at  Rocky 
Neck. 

This,  so  far  as  we  have  learned,  comprises  the  names  of  those  engaged  in 
the  fisheries  half  a  century  ago,  and  the  vessels  of  the  fleet.  But  few  square- 
sterners  were  among  them ;  but  nearly  all  were  pinkeys  of  about  forty  tons 
burthen,  with  three  sails,  and  valued  at  about  $1,500  each.  In  1840  the 
catch  of  mackerel  for  the  season  was  only  about  8,ooo>barrels,.  and  the  total 
product  of  the  fisheries  for  the  year  was  only  $500,000.  The  fishing  busi- 
ness at  this  port  was  at  its  lowest  ebb  of  depression ;,  but  in  1843  and  '44 
there  began  to  be  a  great  improvement.  The  old  class  of  vessels  were  sold 
to  go  "Down  East,"  where  some  of  them  are  still  running,  and  the  shipyards 
of  Essex  were  busily  employed  for  years  in  furnishing  a  superior  class  of 
vessels  which  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  new  branches  of  the  fisheries 
— Georges  and  Grand  Bank  for  halibut,  and  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence  for  mack- 
erel— required. 

Let  the  reader  commence  his  walk  at  the  Fort  and  proceed  to  Rocky 


2i2  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Neck  with  this  list  of  wharves,  and  notice  the  great  improvements  which  the 
last  half-century  has  made,  and  the  surprise  will  be  great.  The  entire  wa- 
ter front  to  the  Neck  is  mostly  occupied  by  substantial  wharves  and  fine 
buildings  thereon,  representing  business  energy  and  a  determination  to  im- 
prove the  natural  facilities  which  have  been  so  lavishly  bestowed.  The 
march  of  improvement  must  continue.  Rocky  Neck  has  many  valuable 
wharf  lots,  and  in  the  course  of  time  we  predict  that  the  coves  and  shores 
on  the  southeasterly  side  of  the  harbor  will  be  converted  into  wharf  prop- 
erty; for  Gloucester's  edvance  the  next  fifty  years  will,  undoubtedly,  be 
fully  as  rapid  as  that  which  has  characterized  her  past  half-century. 


THE  JOLLY   YACHTSMAN. 


BY   ZIP. 


Who  would  not  a  jolly  yachtsman  be, 

Upon  a  Summer's  day, 
Dressed  in  a  nobby  suit  of  blue, 

Go  dancing  o'er  the  bay? 

In  his  natty  yacht  so  neat  and  trim, 

His  comfort  and  his  pride, 
Freed  from  city's  noise  and  dust, 

He  enjoys  the  ocean  ride. 

He  cares  not  for  strolls  upon  the  beach, 
Or  drives  o'er  hill  and  dale — 

His  pleasures  lie  in  the  speedy  craft 
With  flowing  sheet  and  bellying  sail 


Filled  by  balmy  winds  of  June 

From  off  our  western  shore, 
Laden  with  odors  from  blossoming  trees — 

Give  him  this,  and  he  asks  no  more. 

To  while  away  his  leisure  hours 

And  rest  his  weary  limbs, 
The  yacht  to  him  is  an  easy  chair, 

As  o'er  the  wave  she  skims. 

With  hull  as  smooth  as  polished  steel, 

Sails  white  as  drifting  snow, 
With  lockers  stocked  with  goodies — 

Who  would  not  a  yachting  go? 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  213 


The  Haddock  Fisheries— Then  and  Now. 

Marked  Changes  within  a  Half -Century. 

BY   CAPT.    STEPHEN   J.    MARTIN. 

My  recollection  of  the  haddock  fishery  extends  back  to  the  days  of  my 
boyhood  at  East  Gloucester,  in  1832.  From  1832  to  about  1838  Amos 
Story  and  Jefferson  Rowe  would  go  out  at  daylight  and  be  back  at  8  A.  M. 
with  a  dory  full  of  haddock,  dress  them,  and  go  out  in  the  afternoon,  catch 
another  dory  load,  and  be  back  at  4  P.  M.  in  season  to  dress  their  fare  be- 
fore nightfall.  They  would  go  no  farther  than  the  Old  Pine  Tree.  I  have 
known  them  to  load  their  dories  on  a  ledge  between  Ten  Pound  Island  and 
Niles'  Wharf. 

In  the  years  1838  and  1839  I  went  fishing  from  Eastern  Point  in  a  boat 
called  the  Eastern  Star.  When  the  haddock  came  on  the  coast  in  April  we 
tended  Boston  market  with  haddock,  and  would  be  on  the  fishing  ground 
at  daylight,  catch  what  we  could  ourselves  and  buy  all  we  wanted  from  the 
dories  at  one  cent  per  fish,  and  start  for  market.  The  Eastern  Star  was  four- 
teen tons,  with  no  bowsprit.  If  we  got  two  cents  apiece  for  our  fish  we 
thought  we  were  doing  well. 

The  haddock  remained  inshore  and  were  caught  in  the  harbor  until  185 1. 
In  185 1  James  Coas  and  myself  loaded  a  fifteen-foot  dory  twice  in  one  day, 
within  two  miles  of  the  mouth  of  the  harbor.  From  that  time  until  1864 
the  boats  caught  their  haddock  from  three  to  four  miles  from  the  shore. 
From  1832  to  1845  the  haddock  were  taken  with  hand-lines. 

In  the  year  1864  Capt.  Daniel  Douglass  fitted  out  the  schooner  Ro7np  for 
haddocking.  There  was  a  good  deal  of  talk  at  the  time  because  he  went 
haddocking  in  so  large  a  vessel,  her  measurement  being  66  tons.  He  car- 
ried four  dories,  five  hundred  hooks  to  a  dory,  and  fished  on  the  Inner 
Bank.  Some  days  he  would  catch  40,000  lbs.,  and  sell  them  for  75  cents 
a  hundred,  by  count.  Now  the  haddock  vessels  carry  six  dories,  1,200 
hooks  to  a  dory. 

Since  1866  the  haddock  have  been  working  off  shore.  For  the  past  fif- 
teen years  the  small  vessels,  45,  50  and  60  tons,  have  fished  on  the  off-shore 
grounds,  on  Jeffries,  Tilley's,  and  sometimes  on  Middle  Bank,  some  twenty 
or  twenty-five  miles  off,  and  but  few  haddock  have  been  taken  in-shore  in 
the  Winter  months  during  the  last  ten  years. 

Now  the  haddock  fleet  go  to  Georges  and  LaHave  Banks,  and  some  of 
them  go  as  far  as  the  Western  Bank.     They  go  in  the  largest  fishing  vessels, 


2i4  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

some  of  them  of  120  tons  burthen,  and  carry  six  dories,  from  1,000  to  1,500 
hooks  to  a  dory.     There  are  two  vessels  that  carry  eight  dories  each. 

The  haddock  fishery  commences,  as  a  general  thing,  about  the  first  of 
November.  Some  vessels  go  earlier.  It  is  nothing  unusual  for  a  vessel  to 
be  gone  ten  days  and  return  with  75,000,  80,000  and  sometimes  90,000  lbs. 
The  price  of  haddock  has  been  high  all  this  Winter  (188 1-2).  In  years 
gone  by,  when  there  were  twenty-five  sail  of  vessels  tending  the  market,  the 
market  would  sometimes  be  overstocked.  Now  there  is  a  haddock  fleet  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  sail,  carrying  their  catch  to  market — not  to  Gloucester 
alone,  but  to  Portland,  Portsmouth  and  Boston — and  all  the  haddock  find  a 
ready  sale.  There  has  been  but  once  this  Winter  when  the  market  was 
overstocked  and  the  haddock  were  sold  to  be  split  and  dried  at  $1.35  per 
cwt.     Twenty  years  ago  that  was  considered  a  good  price. 

Thirty  years  ago  haddock  were  very  scarce  on  Georges,  and  the  vessels 
used  to  carry  them  there  for  halibut-bait.  Now  a  vessel. will  catch 1 50,000 
lbs.  there  in  one  day.  The  haddock  generally  come  on  Georges  the  first  of 
February ;  before  that  time  the  fleet  go  to  Cape  Negro  and  LaHave  Bank. 
The  Georges  haddock  vessels,  the  large  ones,  discontinue  that  fishery  about 
the  first  of  April. 

Sch.  Martha  C,  Capt.  Charles  Martin,  of  this  port,  arrived  in  Boston 
Feb.  17,  1882,  with  the  largest  trip  of  haddock  and  best  stock  ever  reported 
in  the  haddock  fishery.  She  weighed  off  93,000  lbs.,  stocking  $1,943,  the 
crew  sharing  $91  each.  This  was1  the  result  of  two  and  a  half  days'  fishing ; 
time  absent,  ten  days.  On  her  next  trip  she  landed  55,000  lbs.  on  a  good 
market,  and  stocked  $1,513,  giving  her  a  stock  of  $3,456  on  the  two  trips. 

Mr.  George  Steele's  new  schooner  Dido,  Capt.  William  N.  Wells,  made 
eight  haddock  trips  in  nine  and  a  half  weeks,  the  present  year  (1882),  stock- 
ing $7,060.  On  one  trip  she  was  absent  ninety-four  hours,  and  stocked 
$1,404. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


215 


A  Mackerel  Catcher  Dressing  Her  Fare  by  Moonlight. 

The  accompanying  engraving  illus- 
trates a  mackerel  catcher  whose  crew 
were  so  fortunate  as  to  strike  a  school 
of  fine,  fat  mackerel,  just  before  sun- 
down. The  boys  were  all  alive  for 
such  sport,  and  handled  the  seine-boat 
and  net  lively,  securing  "heavy  decks." 
The  steward  had  plenty  of  hot  coffee 
and  "Joe  floggers"  on  hand  for  just 
such  a  lucky  strike,  and  kept  the  crew 
well  supplied  with  these  refreshments. 
The  moon  had  risen  just  as  they  got 
their  catch-  on  deck,  and  with  a  will 
they  turned  to  and  dressed  all  night. 
It  was  a  lively  time,  splitting,  gibbing, 
soaking  them  out,  salting  and  barrel- 
ling, and  the  vessel,  with  a  light  wind, 
pursued  her  course  for  old  Gloucester,  where  they  got  a  quick  pack  out,  and 
replenishing  with  salt  and  stores,  were  soon  off  again,  as  every  day  in  the 
mackereling  season  counts,  and  the  fishermen  like  to  make  the  most  of  it. 


Frightened  by  the  Moon. 


BY   DICK   SKYLIGHT. 


Friday,  May  16,  1879,  we  were  running  across  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  bound 
to  Nova  Scotia  for  bait.  It  was  foggy,  but  not  very  thick,  the  first  of  the 
morning,  and  at  three  o'clock  the  man  on  the  lookout  sang  out,  "Light 
ahead!"  The  man  at  the  wheel  shouted  back  the  inquiry,  "What  shall  I 
do — luff  or  keep  off?"  "Luff!  luff  hard!!"  came  the  answer  from  the 
lookout. 

By  this  time  I  was  out  of  my  bunk,  and  had  jumped  into  the  companion- 
way  just  as  the  lookout  ran  aft,  exclaiming,  "Give  me  the  horn  ! "  I  stepped 
back  into  the  cabin  to  get  it,  and  giving  him  one  horn,  took  another  with 
me  on  deck,  blowing  a  blast  myself  before  I  stopped  to  look.  The  lookout 
said,  "I  think  it's  a  steamer's  masthead  light." 


2l6 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


I  now  could  see  what  looked  like  a  bright  light  glimmering  through  the 
fog,  about  the  height  a  steamer's  light  would  be,  half  a  mile  distant,  the  fog 
being  quite  thin).  After  taking  a  good  look,  I  said  I  thought  it  was  a  star, 
and  told  the  man  at  the  wheel  to  keep  the  vessel  on  her  course,  but  a  mo- 
ment later  it  showed  plainer,  and  the  lookout  exclaimed,  "I'm  d — d  if  'taint 
the  moon  I"  I  could  not  help  laughing  at  the  fright  it  had  given  him,  and 
told  him  to  blow  the  horn  loud,  and  if  the  "  man  in  the  moon  "  heard  it  he 
would  probably  keep  off  and  let  us  go  along. 

Such  mistakes  occur  quite  often.  I  have  been  called  out  many  a  time, 
when  running  for  the  land  on  a  clear  night,  to  see  a  star  rising,  that  the 
watch  had  mistaken  for  a  light  on  the  land.  This  is  not  so  much  to  be 
wondered  at,  since  the  appearance  of  a  bright  star  near  the  horizon  so 
closely  resembles  a  fixed  light  on  shore,  that  almost  any  one  is  liable  to  be 
misled. 


GLOUCESTER    HARBOR. 

BY    WILLIS    G.  BURNHAM. 


,AM«*C" 


How  oft,  like  some  fond  mother-bird, 

Who,  when  the  clouds  foretell  the  storm, 
Gathers  her  little  trembling  ones 

Beneath  the  shelter  of  her  form, 
Do  thy  bright  waters,  when  the  wind 

Sweeps  mournfully  across  the  sea, 
Gather  the  white-winged,  wave-tossed  craft 

From  storm  and  wreck  protectingly. 

How  beautiful  beneath  the  rays 
Of  a  bright  sun,  or  fair  full  moon, 

Thy  surface  shines  with  pleasant  light, 
At  midnight,  or  at  dav's  full  noon : 


Like  some  dear  friend  whose  kindly  smile 
Has  cheered  us  both  in  storm  and  calm, 

And  for  our  hearts'  deep,  secret  wounds 
Has  been  a  healing,  welcome  balm. 

Alas !  that  as  we  look  far  out 

Beyond  thy  peace,  we  watch  in  vain 
The  schooners  coming  from  the  sea, 

Which  will  not  meet  our  gaze  again ; 
When,  long  ago,  each  sunlit  sail 

Went  down  below  the  horizon's  blue, 
How  little,  ah!  how  little  then 

We  of  time's  hastening  changes  knew. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  217 


Adventures  of  Captain  Richard  Murphy, 

BY    J.    W.    COLLINS. 

"Cease,  rude  Boreas,  blustering  railer;  list,  ye  landsmen  all,  to  me; 
Messmates,  hear  a  brother  sailor  tell  the  dangers  of  the  sea." — Old  Song. 

There  are  few,  even  among  the  hardy  fishermen  sailing  from  Gloucester, 
who  have  had  so  many  wonderful  escapes  from  imminent  death  as  "Dick" 
Murphy,  as  he  is  familiarly  called  by  those  who  know  him.  Born  in  Guys- 
boro,  N.  S.,  he  shipped  at  an  early  age  on  a  Gloucester  mackerel  schooner, 
and  since  that  time  (a  period  of  twenty-nine  years)  he  has  followed  the  fish- 
eries from  this  port. 

From  an  interview  with  Captain  Murphy  the  following  facts  have  been 
obtained  relative  to  his  experience : 

The  first  incident  of  any  note  was  his  falling  overboard  in  the  Bay  of  St. 
Lawrence,  while  "skylarking"  with  a  youthful  companion  on  the  deck  of  a 
mackerel  schooner.  Fortunately  it  was  moderate,  and  Murphy,  then  a 
young  lad,  succeeded  in  grasping  the  rope  which  was  thrown  him,  and  was 
soon  hauled  in,  dripping  wet,  to  be  sure,  but  otherwise  none  the  worse  for 
his  involuntary  bath. 

His  second  experience  in  falling  overboard  occurred  during  a  March  gale 
on  Gesrges,  in  1855.  At  that  time  he  was  one  of  the  crew  of  the  sch.  Ty- 
phoo7i,  and,  the  vessel  having  struck  adrift  in  the  midst  of  a  furious  snow 
squall,  Murphy  jumped  on  to  the  fore-gaff  to  take  down  the  signal  lantern. 
Just  as  the  lashings  of  the  lantern  had  been  cast  off,  the  vessel  took  a  heavy 
lurch  ;  the  fore-boom  came  out  of  the  crotch  and  swung  suddenly  out  to  lee- 
ward, throwing  Murphy  into  the  water.  But  he  clung  to  the  lantern — one 
of  the  old-fashioned  box-like  affairs — which,  he  says,  "made  a  good  life 
buoy,"  and  adds :  "As  the  vessel  rolled  to  leeward  the  next  time,  I  put  one 
hand  on  the  lantern  to  partially  raise  myself  from  the  water,  and  grasping 
the  rail  with  the  other  hand,  was  half  way  over  it  before  any  of  my  shipmates 
knew  of  my  mishap.  Some  three  or  four  of  them  then  ran  to  my  assistance 
and  hauled  me  in." 

In  August,  1857,  he  was  in  the  sch.  Queen  of  Clippers,  bound  home  from 
the  Bay  of  St.  Lawrence.  When  the  vessel  was  nearing  Cape  Ann,  Mur- 
phy climbed  up  nearly  to  the  jaws  of  the  main-gaff — about  forty  or  fifty  feet 
from  the  deck — on  the  mast  hoops.  When  he  got  high  enough  so  that  his 
feet  rested  on  the  second  hoop  below  the  gaff,  and  his  hand  grasped  the 
next  one  above,  he  stopped  to  have  a  look  for  the  land.  While  standing  in 
this  position,  the  seizing  of  the  upper  hoop  parted  and  being  thus  instanfly 


218  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

deprived  of  support  he  fell  to  the  deck,  striking  his  back  and  shoulders  on 
the  head  of  an  upright  water  barrel.  The  blow  broke  in  the  head  of  the 
barrel,  and  the  back  of  the  unfortunate  man  was  completely  flayed  and  the 
skin  turned  up  in  strips  and  rolls  on  his  shoulders.  In  addition  to  this,  his 
ankle,  which  had  struck  on  the  house  when  he  fell,  was  out  of  joint,  and 
altogether  his  condition  was  most  deplorable.  It  is  easier  to  imagine  than 
to  tell  of  the  dreadful  agony  endured  for  twenty-four  long  hours  before  the 
light  winds  carried  the  vessel  to  port,  where  medical  treatment  could  be 
obtained. 

While  engaged  in  bending  the  mainsail  on  a  new  schooner,  the  J.  G. 
Dennis,  he  fell  from  the  taffrail  and  struck  on  the  wheel,  receiving  a  severe 
injury.  So  great  was  the  force  with  which  he  fell,  that  the  spoke  of  the 
wheel,  striking  between  the  hip  and  lower  rib,  fractured  the  skin,  and  his 
right  side  was  paralyzed  for  more  than  a  week. 

While  in  the  Dennis,  in  February,  1862,  Murphy  assisted  in  the  rescue  of 
the  crew  of  the  water-logged  sch.  Life  Buoy,  of  Shelburne,  N.  S.,  an  event 
which  illustrated  in  a  striking  manner  the  readiness  with  which  our  fisher- 
men frequently  apply  means  to  ends  in  times  of  emergency  and  danger. 
The  former  vessel  had  lost  her  boat  and  most  of  her  sails  in  a  severe  gale 
on  Georges,  and  the  boat  of  the  Life  Buoy  had  also  been  swept  away.  How 
could  the  fishermen,  without  a  boat,  and  with  their  vessel  in  a  disabled  con- 
dition— having  for  sails  only  the  foresail  below  the  third  reef  and  a  jib  bent 
for  a  mainsail — render  any  aid  ?  The  question  was  how  to  improvise  some 
sort  of  a  boat.  Having  decided  to  construct  a  boat  of  one  of  the  gurry- 
pens,  which  fortunately  still  remained  intact,  the  skipper  of  the  Dennis  ran 
close  by  the  Life  Buoy,  and  hailing  her  crew  desired  them  to  throw  over- 
board some  of  the  planks  which  formed  the  latter  vessel's  deck  load.  By 
skilful  manoeuvring  these  planks  were  picked  up  by  the  crew  of  the  former 
vessel,  and  a  bottom  was  soon  made  for  the  gurry-pen  and  tightly  caulked. 
The  fishermen  then  ran  near  enough  to  the  wreck  to  throw  a  rope  on  board, 
and  the  gurry-pen  boat  was  got  afloat  and  was  hauled  back  and  forth  be- 
tween the  two  vessels,  making  two  trips.  Before  leaving  the  wreck  her  crew 
sent  on  board  of  the  Dennis  a  jib  and  gaff-topsail,  so  that  the  latter  might 
have  sufficient  canvas  to  reach  the  land.  Four  men  were  rescued ;  the 
mate  had  been  washed  overboard  and  drowned  during  the  gale. 

In  March  of  the  following  year,  and  while  still  in  the  same  schooner, 
Murphy  had  another  fall  from  aloft.  While  lying  to  in  a  gale  on  Georges, 
the  vessel  plunged  so  heavily  into  the  sea  that  the  spring-stay  became  de- 
tached from  the  foremast-head,  leaving  the  mainmast  without  support  on  the 
forward  side,  and  liable  to  fall  unless  something  could  be  done  to  stay  it 
up.  This  could  only  be  effected  by  some  one  taking  the  risk  of  going  aloft 
oh  the  mainmast,  which,  as  stated,  might  break  at  any  minute.     But  we  will 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  219 

let  Murphy  tell  the  story  in  his  own  words  :  "The  skipper  told  me  to  take 
the  end  of  the  '  net-warp '  "—a  three  inch  manila  rope,  usually  about  fifty  fath- 
oms long — "aloft  with  me  and  bend  it  around  the  mainmast  with  a  running 
bowline  as  high  above  the  gaff  of  the  three-reefed  sail  as  I  could  reach' 
Making  a  loop  in  the  end  of  the  rope,  I  threw  it  over  my  head  and  climbed 
up  on  the  mast  hoops  till  I  reached  the  gaff,  which  I  got  astride  of,  and 
proceeded  to  execute  my  task.  This  I  accomplished  in  a  few  moments, 
and  having  shoved  the  rope  up  as  high  as  I  could,  again  sat  down  on  the 
gaff,  unconsciously  throwing  both  legs  on  the  weather  side  instead  of  sitting 
astride  of  it,  as  one  almost  always  will.  This  seemingly  trifling  circumstance 
probably  saved  my  life.  It  was  the  intention  of  the  skipper,  as  soon  as  I 
got  the  end  of  the  warp  fast,  to  take  the  other  end  to  the  windlass  and  heave 
taut  on  it.  But  before  this  could  be  done,  and  while  I  was  intently  watch- 
ing the  movements  on  deck,  the  vessel  took  a  heavy  plunge,  and  as  her  bow 
rose  again  and  her  stern  dropped  suddenly  into  the  hollow  of  the  sea,  the 
mainmast  broke  under  me  and  fell  with  a  crash  over  the  stern,  breaking 
again  where  it  struck  on  the  taffrail.  Just  how  I  escaped  I  can  hardly  tell, 
the  whole  thing  was  done  so  quickly.  I  only  know  that,  feeling  the  mast  go- 
ing, I  threw  myself  from  the  gaff  and  fell  all  in  a  heap  in  the  corner  formed 
by  the  taffrail  and  lee-quarter  rail.  At  the  same  instant  the  mast  struck  on 
the  taffrail,  above  my  head,  as  I  lay  on  deck.  Had  I  fallen  a  few  inches  far- 
ther aft  I  should  have  struck  in  the  water,  and  rescue  would  have  been  im- 
possible. As  it  was,  I  received  no  injury  beyond  a  little  shaking  up,  a  few 
bruises,  etc.,  and  was  soon  able  to  resume  duty." 

The  next  remarkable  adventure  that  he  had  occurred  in  the  Fall  of 
1869,  while  he  was  with  me  in  the  sch.  Glenwood.  Toward  the  close  of  a 
disagreeable  drizzly  day  in  October,  we  ran  into  Port  Hood,  C.  B.,  where 
a  large  fleet  had  collected  in  anticipation  of  a  storm.  All  of  the  best  an- 
choring grounds  were  occupied,  and  we  were  obliged  to  take  a  berth  not  far 
from  the  long  sand  bar  which  extends  nearly  two-thirds  of  the  distance 
across  the  southern  side  of  the  harbor,  leaving  a  comparatively  narrow  chan- 
nel between  that  and  the  sand  spits  off  the  eastern  shore.  That  night  and 
the  next  day  the  weather  was  only  what  might  be  expected — raw,  breezy 
and  unpleasant.  About  nine  o'clock  on  the  second  night  the  wind  backed 
to  north-northeast  and  began  to  pipe  in  good  earnest  with  occasional  "spits  " 
of  snow.  We  let  go  the  second  anchor,  paid  out  a  good  scope  on  both  ca- 
bles, and  having  set  an  anchor  watch,  turned  in.  All  hands  were  called 
again  at  midnight  to  pay  out  more  cable,  though,  on  account  of  the  Lizzie 
A.  Tarr  lying  directly  astern  of  us,  and  very  close,  there  was  not  room 
enough  for  so  long  a  scope  as  we  wished  to  have  out.  At  this  time  it  was 
intensely  dark,  the  air  was  filled  with  snow  and  sleet,  and  the  gale  had  in- 
creased to  almost  a  hurricane.     The  tide,  too,  had  risen  to  an  almost  unpre- 


220  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK, 

cedented  height,  and  there  was  a  sharp  choppy  sea  in  the  harbor.  After 
we  had  veered  out  the  cable,  but  while  the  men  were  still  on  deck,  we  saw  a 
vessel*  driving  jlown  directly  for  us,  broadside  to  the  wind.  We  made  an 
attempt  to  sheer  our  vessel  out  of  her  path,  but  were  only  partially  successful. 
She  struck  us  on  the  port  bow,  and  her  starboard  anchor,  which  hung  at  the 
cat-head,  caught  over  our  port  cable.  This  brought  the  strain  of  both  ves- 
sels on  our  anchors,  which  gave  way,  and  down  we  went  under  the  bow  of 
the  Lizzie  Tarr,  broadside  on,  the  bowsprit  of  the  latter  vessel  coming  in 
over  our  quarter-rail,  and  passing  between  the  starboard  main  rigging  and 
the  mainmast,  while  the  Lizzie  Cook  lay  on  our  port  side,  pounding  away  at 
us  as  she  rose  and  fell  with  the  sea.  For  a  time  it  seemed  that  our  vessel 
would  be  ground  up  between  the  other  two,  or  that  the  whole  three  of  us 
would  be  driven  together  in  a  pile  on  the  bar,  not  more  than  three  hundred 
fathoms  to  leeward,  over  which  the  sea  was  breaking  masthead  high.  For- 
tunately the  Tarr's  anchors  held  on,  and  gave  us  time  to  extricate  our  ves- 
sel from  her  dangerous  position.  In  less  time  than  it  takes  to  write  it,  I 
had  jumped  on  board  of  the  Cook  and  requested  her  skipper  to  pay  out 
more  cable  so  that  his  vessel  would  drop  aft  on  our  quarter.  This  he  did, 
and,  watching  for  the  right  moment,  the  lanyards  of  our  starboard  main  rig- 
ging were  cut  away,  freeing  the  bowsprit  of  the  Tarr ;  our  vessel  swung  head 
to  the  wind,  and  we  paid  out  on  our  cables,  dropping  down  between  the 
other  two  vessels,  and  astern  of  them,  where  we  held  on,  thinking  we  would 
be  safe.  But  in  this  we  were  disappointed,  for  before  we  had  a  chance  to 
reeve  off  new  lanyards  for  our  rigging,  we  were  startled  by  the  cry  that  our 
starboard  cable  had  been  cut  by  the  crew  of  one  of  the  vessels  we  had  been 
in  collision  with.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  rig  the  stock  in  the 
"spare  anchor"  which  we  had  on  deck.  We  had  just  completed  this  job 
and  were  about  to  bend  the  cable  to  the  anchor,  when  some  one  shouted 
out  in  a  dismayed  tone,  "We're  all  adrift!  they've  cut  our  other  cable." 
Not  a  moment  could  be  wasted,  for  the  foaming  and  roaring  breakers  on  the 
bar  were  right  to  leeward.  Luckily  our  vessel  fell  off  head  to  the  eastward, 
and  I  instantly  determined  to  run  out  of  the  harbor,  though  the  darkness 
of  the  night,  intensified  by  the  blinding  snow,  rendered  the  attempt  to  pass 
between  the  southern  bars  an  extremely  hazardous  undertaking.  As  I  ran 
aft  to  clear  the  wheel,  I  shouted,  "  Bear  a  hand  on  the  foresail ;  be  lively, 
now,  and  get  it  on  her ! "  It  was  soon  up  about  as  high  as  if  it  was  single- 
reefed,  when  I  righted  the  wheel,  the  sail  filled,  and  our  little  vessel  started 
off  with  the  speed  of  a  race-horse,  dragging  behind  her  the  port  cable,  which, 
stretching  out  in  the  wake,  and  glistening  with  phosphorescence,  looked  like 
an  immense  fiery  sea  serpent.     "  Hard  up  !  keep  her  off ! "  shouted  the  look- 

*  The  Lizzie  Cook  of  Newburyport. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  221 

out.  Up  went  the  wheel,  the  vessel  swinging  quickly  off  until  a  light  was 
dimly  seen  on  the  weather  bow,  and  the  cry  of,  "  Steady !  so,"  assured  me 
that  we  were  heading  all  right.  The  next  instant  we  went  rushing  by  the 
stern  of  one  of  the  fleet,  just  clearing  her  main-boom.  Hardly  had  we 
passed  that  one,  when  a  voice  cried  out  again,  "  Luff !  luff  hard  ! "  and  we 
swept  by  another  schooner,  almost  scraping  the  end  of  her  bowsprit  with 
our  lee  rigging.  These  were  the  outside  vessels  of  the  fleet,  and  having 
kept  a  mental  calculation  of  the  distance  run,  I  judged  soon  after  passing 
them  that  we  were  far  enough  to  keep  off  and  run  out  of  the  channel. 
When  out  by  the  bar  we  jibed  the  foresail  and  hauled  to  on  the  starboard 
tack.  In  jibing,  the  gaff  was  broken,  and  the  peak-halyards  caught  over 
the  horns  of  the  cross-trees.  Notwithstanding  this,  we  were  able  to  range 
ahead  slowly  up  under  the  lee  of  the  bar,  close  enough  to  it  to  make  compar- 
atively smooth  water.  Probably  not  more  than  fifteen  minutes  had  passed 
from  the  time  our  second  cable  was  cut  until  we  hove  to  outside  of  the  bar. 
At  this  time  the  anchor  was  bent,  with  the  exception  of  the  last  seizing,  which 
was  soon  put  on.  We  then  took  hold  of  the  anchor  and  threw  it  over  the  bow, 
but,  in  our  hurry,  did  not  lift  the  bight  of  the  cable  clear  of  the  cat-head. 
The  result  was  that  the  anchor  fetched  up  with  the  stock  just  under  water, 
and,  as  we  were  drifting  off  shore,  it  was  important  that  it  should  be  cleared 
from  this  awkward  predicament  with  as  little  delay  as  possible.  The  quick- 
est way,  of  course,  was  to  reeve  the  cat-stopper  and  cut  the  anchor ;  but 
this  could  only  be  done  at  considerable  risk.  But,  without  waiting  for  or- 
ders, and  only  saying  to  the  men  about  the  windlass,  "Look  out  that  the 
cable  don't  slip,"  Murphy  slid  down  on  the  hawser,  rove  off  the  cat-stopper, 
and  was  soon  on  deck  again ;  not,  however,  before  he  had  been  soused  un- 
der water  several  times.  Having  cleared  the  cable,  we  paid  out  sixty  or 
seventy  fathoms,  and  rode  out  the  gale.  The  following  day  we  were  almost 
compelled  to  part  with  our  last  anchor.  The  high  tide  had  floated  off  the 
beach  at  the  head  of  the  harbor  an  old  vessel  which  had  been  hauled  up 
there.  Once  afloat  she  went  driving  on  down  through  the  fleet  and  brought 
up  on  the  bar.  When  the  tide  rose  about  noon  she  floated  off  and  came 
drifting  down  straight  for  us.  We  made  all  possible  preparations  to  clear 
her,  but  when  she  neared  us  the  current  or  untertow  changed  her  course 
somewhat,  so  that  she  passed  by  a  little  distance  off,  and  driving  ashore  on 
the  cliff  astern  of  us  soon  went  to  pieces.  That  afternoon  we  ran  to  Can- 
so,  where  we  refitted. 

In  1870  Murphy  shipped  with  Capt.  James  Lunderkin,  in  the  sch.  William 
F.  Poole,  but  backed  out.     The  vessel  was  lost  on  Georges  with  all  hands. 

The  same  Winter,  Murphy  had  another  tumble  overboard.  He  was  then 
in  the  Hiawatha,  which  lay  at  anchor  on  Georges.  He  says  :  "  I  went  on 
the  house  to  cast  off  the  fall  of  the  main-boom  topinglift,  when,  just  as  I 


222  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

had  grasped  the  rope,  our  vessel  gave  a  tremendous  lurch,  throwing  me 
over  the  rail  into  the  water.  I  clung  to  the  rope,  however,  which  was  of 
considerable  length,  and  hauled  myself  alongside  by  it,  when  my  shipmates 
reached  down,  grabbed  me  by  the  arms  and  assisted  me  to  climb  over  the 
rail."  Had  he  lost  his  grip  of  the  rope  his  rescue  would  have  been  im- 
possible. 

In  the  Summer  of  1873,  when  returning  home  from  the  Grand  Bank  in 
the  sch.  B.  D.  Haskins,  Murphy  encountered  the  terrific  hurricane  of  Aug. 
24  and  25,  which  wrought  such  awful  havoc  among  our  fishing  fleets.  The 
little  vessel,  deeply  laden  with  salt  codfish,  slowly  pursued  her  way  towards 
home  until  she  neared  Sable  Island,  where  she  was  overtaken  by  the  storm. 
An  attempt  was  made  to  carry  reefed  sails  and  gain  an  offing  from  the  Isl- 
and, but  so  rapidly  did  the  gale  increase  that  the  vessel  was  soon  hove  to 
under  close-reefed  foresail,  and  even  with  this  small  sail  her  lee  side  was 
buried  j  while  to  make  matters  worse,  it  was  ascertained  by  sounding  that 
she  was  drifting  into  shoal  water.  It  was  night,  intensely  dark,  and  every 
wave  looked  like  a  breaker.  The  little  schooner  was  continually  swept  by 
the  seas  which  ran  sharp  and  high  j  everything  moveable  on  deck  was  car- 
ried away ;  the  waist-boards  stripped  off  j  and  it  seemed  impossible  for  her 
to  outlive  the  hurricane.  Finding  the  water  constantly  shoaling,  and  de- 
spairing of  escape  under  sail,  the  anchor  was  let  go,  but  the  storm  was  so 
violent  that  it  would  not  hold.  About  midnight  the  wind,  which  had  been 
blowing  from  southeast  changed  suddenly  to  north-northeast,  and  for  a 
while  kept  jumping  from  one  point  to  another,  howling  fiercely  from  which- 
ever direction  it  came,  and  knocking  the  sea  all  up  in  heaps.  About  this 
time  the  men  on  the  Hastens,  who  scarcely  expected  to  see  the  light  of 
another  day,  were  startled  and  terrified  by  a  most  remarkable  phenomenon. 
"Driven  swiftly  along  by  the  hurricane,"  says  Murphy,  "came  a  dense  black 
cloud,  bearing  on  its  eastern  end  a  huge  fiery  pillar."  The  cloud,  resem- 
bling an  unearthly  spectre,  carrying  with  it  phosphorescent  fires,  passed 
close  by  the  vessel  and  swept  out  of  sight  to  leeward.  "  So  appalling  was 
its  appearance  that  four  of  the  men,  overcome  by  their  superstitious  fears, 
as  well  as  the  terror  inspired  by  their  fearful  situation,  went  into  convul- 
sions."* In  the  meantime  the  vessel  was  drifting,  and  a  depth  of  only  six- 
teen fathoms  having  been  reached,  it  was  determined  to  cut  away  the  masts, 
in  hopes  that  the  schooner  might  fetch  up.  The  only  tools  available  for 
this  purpose  were  two  dull  hatchets.  It  was  slow  work  to  cut  in  sufficiently 
on  one  side  of  the  masts,  especially  as  the  workers  had  to  be  constantly  on 
the  alert  to  save  themselves  from  being  washed  overboard.  After  a  while, 
however,  the  job  was  accomplished,  the  lanyards  cut  away,  and,  after  stand- 


♦Murphy. 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK.  223 

ing  for  a  roll  or  two,  the  masts  went  crashing  over  the  side  into  the  water. 
The  next  thing  was  to  clear  away  the  lee  rigging  and  head-stays  which  still 
held  the  spars  alongside,  bumping  and  pounding,  and  threatening  to  knock 
a  hole  in  the  vessel.  This  was  the  most  dangerous  task  of  all,  but  was  suc- 
cessfully accomplished  without  any  one  meeting  with  serious  injury.*  But 
even  after  the  masts  were  gone,  and  the  little  vessel  lay  a  dismantled  wreck  on 
the  water,  the  anchor  would  not  hold  steadily.  In  the  meantime,  somewhere 
about  an  hour  after  the  spars  were  cut  away,  a  huge  wave  swept  over  and 
across  the  bow,  tearing  off  the  cutwater  and  head,  and  also  carrying  away 
the  bowsprit.  At  last,  when  even  the  bravest  were  almost  ready  to  despair, 
the  anchor  took  a  firm  hold  of  the  bottom,  and  the  hull  of  the  little  schooner, 
stripped  bare  for  the  fight,  rose  more  buoyantly  on  top  of  the  waves.  The 
sounding  line  showed  a  depth  of  ten  fathoms  when  she  brought  up.  But 
notwithstanding  the  dangerous  character  of  the  sea  caused  by  the  shallow- 
ness of  the  water  and  the  fury  of  the  gale,  the  gallant  little  craft  rode  it  out 
in  safety.  Toward  the  close  of  the  25th  the  storm  abated.  As  soon  as 
practicable,  jury-masts  were  rigged,  and  sufficient  sail  (the  sails  had  been 
saved  when  the  spars  were  cut  away)  was  set  upon  these  to  work  the  vessel 
in  near  Cape  Canso,  where  she  was  fallen  in  with  by  the  sch.  Frank  of 
Charlottetown>  P.  E.  I.,  and  towed  to  Port  Hawkesbury.  Lying  at  the 
wharf,  with  jury-spars  lashed  to  the  stumps  of  the  masts,  the  naked  stanch- 
ions sticking  up  along  her  sides,  and  with  deck  polished  to  immaculate 
whiteness  by  the  sand  that  had  swept  over  it  in  the  gale,t  the  Haskins  pre- 
sented a  scene  sufficiently  desolate  looking  to  convince  any  one  of  the  ter- 
rible ordeal  through  which  she  had  passed. 

A  short  time  afterwards  Murphy  met  with  another  adventure,  from  which 
his  escape  with  life  was  as  remarkable  as  in  the  previous  instance.  This  was 
on  the  14th  of  January,  1874,  at  which  time  he  and  I  were  shipmates  on  the 
sch.  Eastern  Queen,  engaged  in  the  haddock  fishery,  under  command  of 
Capt.  William  Corliss.  On  the  evening  of  the  13th  we  hauled  out  of  Com- 
mercial dock  and  started  down  Boston  harbor,  beating  out  against  a  mod- 
erate southeast  wind.  The  night  was  dark,  with  an  overcast  sky  and  some 
indications  of  snow,  but,  nevertheless,  we  worked  slowly  along.  The  skip- 
per staid  on  deck  directing  the  movements  of  the  vessel  until  one  o'clock 
on  the  morning  of  the  14th,  by  which  time  we  were  down  off  Nahant.  My- 
self and  watchmate  were  then  called  to  relieve  the  watch  on  deck.     I  had 


*The  skipper  of  the  B.  D.  Haskins  told  me,  soon  after  the  gale,  and  while  the  vessel 
lay  in  Canso  waiting  for  repairs,  that  the  preservation  of  the  schooner  and  the  lives  on 
board  of  her,  was  largely  due  to  the  coolness  and  pluck  of  Murphy  during  the  storm.  He 
particularly  distinguished  himself  in  cutting  away  the  spars  and  clearing  the  wreck. 

fThe  water  is  often  thick  with  sand  during  heavy  gales,  even  in  a  depth  of  twenty  to 
twenty-five  fathoms. 


224  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

scarcely  taken  the  wheel  when  I  noticed  that  Long  Island  light,  which  was 
almost  directly  astern,  was  "shutting  in,"  and  could  barely  be  seen.  I  im- 
mediately notified  the  skipper,  but  when  I  looked  the  second  time,  to  ascer- 
tain the  correct  bearings  of  the  light,  it  could  not  be  seen.  Almost  at  the 
same  instant  we  had  a  snow-puff,  and  the  wind  veered  to  the  eastward  a 
couple  of  points.  We  tacked  and  ran  back  for  Broad  Sound.  After  tack- 
ing, a  bright  lookout  was  kept,  the  skipper  himself  being  forward,  anxiously 
watching  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  Long  Island  light.  After  a  while,  the  skip- 
per shouted,  "How  do  you  head  ?"  "Southwest  by  west,"  I  replied.  "Let 
her  luff,  then,"  he  sang  out  again.  I  began  to  roll  the  wheel  down  as 
quickly  as  possible,  but  before  the  vessel  had  swung  to  more  than  two  points 
she  struck  on  bottom,  jumping,  bumping  and  pounding,  until  at  last  she 
stopped  still ;  heeling  down  considerably,  the  speed  with  which  she  was  run- 
ning having  carried  her  into  somewhat  less  water  than  she  drew.  A  dark 
object  could  now  be  indistinctly  seen  on  our  weather  bow,  which  we  knew 
to  be  Faun  Bar  Beacon.  Four  of  us  started  for  the  city  in  a  dory  to  secure 
the  services  of  a  steam  tug,  the  skipper  being  one  of  the  party.  Almost  as 
soon  as  we  left  the  side  of  the  vessel  we  found  ourselves  among  breakers ; 
the  dory  was  half  filled  with  water,  and  we  began  to  realize  the  difficulties 
and  dangers  that  lay  before  us  in  threading  the  tortuous  channels  of  Boston 
harbor  at  night  in  a  frail  boat  during  a  wild  wintry  snow  storm.  But  there 
was  no  thought  of  backing  out,  and  having  got  clear  of  the  breakers  and 
freed  our  boat  from  her  waterlogged  condition,  we  started  again.  At  last, 
and  much  to  our  joy,  we  made  Long  Island  light,  its  rays  looming  dimly 
through  the  snow  almost  over  our  heads.  Rowing  past  the  fleet  anchored 
in  the  Roads,  we  soon  after  came  to  Spectacle  Island,  and  in  due  time 
reached  the  Castle.  Bye-and-bye  we  came  to  a  long  pier,  at  the  head  of 
which  lay  a  large  schooner,  while  a  short  distance  off  could  be  seen  the 
ruddy  reflection  of  light  from  some  sort  of  blasting  furnace.*  We  started 
again,  and  after  a  hard  pull  against  the  wind,  which  was  then  about  east- 
northeast  and  blowing  strong,  we  reached  "  T  "  dock,  where  we  found,  and 
went  on  board  of,  the  steam  tug  C.  M.  Winch,  which  lay  there  with  banked 
fires.  Notwithstanding  the  oil  clothes  we  all  had  on,  we  were  drenched  to 
the  skin,  and  the  skipper,  who  had  sat  in  the  stern  of  the  boat  looking  out, 
not  having  had  any  exercise  like  the  rest  of  us,  was  so  thoroughly  chilled 
when  we  reached  the  steamer  that  he  could  not  speak  coherently,  and  could 
scarcely  stand.  We  soon  made  known  our  wants  to  the  captain  of  the  tug, 
but  the  weather  was  so  thick  that  he  did  not  dare  to  start  before  daybreak. 
At  last  the  anxiously  watched-for  daylight  began  to  appear ;  the  steamboat 
men  bustled  around,  casting  off  lines,  and  shortly  the  puff,  puff  of  the  engines 

*The  South  Boston  Iron  Works. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  225 

assured  us  that  the  much  wished-for  start  was  being  made.  But  so  in- 
tensely thick  was  the  misty  fog,  that  in  the  gray  light  of  the  early  morning 
that  it  was  impossible  to  discern  anything  a  hundred  yards  distant.  Reach- 
ing Deer  Island  Beacon,  we  headed  out  into  Broad  Sound.  A  little  later 
we  saw  a  vessel  on  our  port  beam  that  had  evidently  just  anchored.  We 
slowed  up,  thinking  it  might  be  ours,  but  deciding  it  was  not,  we  started 
on  again.  But  now  we  began  to  meet  with  the  ocean  swell,  and  the  little 
steamer  plunged  and  rolled  terribly,  sending  showers  of  spray  over  the 
top  of  the  pilot-house.  Down  off  the  Faun  Bar  buoy  the  sea  almost  broke 
from  the  bottom,  and  considering  it  too  risky  to  venture  on  the  back  side  of 
the  bar,  the  captain  of  the  tug  turned  her  around,  and  ran  back  again  for 
the  schooner  we  had  seen  on  our  way  out,  and  which,  much  to  our  surprise 
and  pleasure,  proved  to  be  the  Eastern  Queen.  We  now  gave  her  a  towing 
warp,  and,  the  anchor  having  been  weighed,  towed  her  to  Commercial 
dock,  where,  at  last,  we  could  hear  the  story  of  the  escape,  which  before  we 
could  only  conjecture.  After  we  left  the  vessel  in  the  dory  the  tide  rose 
slowly,  the  wind  and  sea  increasing  at  the  same  time,  causing  her  to  pound 
very  heavily.  The  men  on  board,  one  of  whom  was  Murphy,  deeming  it 
unsafe  to  stick  by  any  longer,  if  they  could  leave  in  the  boats,  hoisted  out  a 
dory,  by  way  of  experiment,  and  paid  her  down  to  leeward  of  the  vessel. 
But  it  was  soon  evident  that  the  attempt  to  row  a  boat  through  the  breakers 
would  be  absolute  madness,  for  the  dory  had  been  but  a  few  moments  out 
when  she  was  struck  by  a  wave,  rolled  over  and  over,  and  knocked  about 
like  an  egg  shell  in  the  yeasty  waters  that  were  then  foaming  all  about  the 
apparently  doomed  Queen.  Failing  in  this  scheme,  and  knowing  that  the 
vessel  would  soon  pound  her  bottom  out  unless  something  more  was  done, 
since,  every  time  she  fell,  the  grinding  of  planks  and  cracking  of  timbers 
could  be  distinctly  heard,  the  men  determined  to  put  her  head  on.  They 
therefore  hoisted  the  foresail  and  jib,  and  slipping  the  cable,  drove  her  on 
as  fast  as  the  tide  came ;  whenever  she  rose  on  a  sea  she  gained  a  little 
ahead.  The  case  with  them  was  now  absolutely  desperate.  There  would 
not  be,  even  at  full  flood,  as  much  water  on  the  bar  as  the  Queen  drew  by 
nearly  two  feet.*  The  wind  blew  almost  a  gale,  and  the  sea  broke  over  her 
in  all  directions.  There  was  every  reason  to  suppose  that  she  might  bilge 
and  break  up.  If  this  happened  every  soul  on  board  must  perish.  But 
Murphy  resolutely  clung  to  the  wheel  and  headed  her  on  the  bar.  At  last 
she  rose  on  a  wave,  started  ahead,  kept  going!  while  the  joyful  shout  of, 
"We're  off!  we're  afloat  I"  was  raised  by  every  one.     Owing  to  the  density 

*When  we  returned  to  the  place  at  low  tide  on  the  next  day,  to  secure  the  cable  and  an- 
chor that  had  been  slipped,  the  bar  was  dry;  and  a  deep  track,  like  a  furrow,  marked  the 
point  where  the  Eastern  Queen  had  ploughed  her  way  through  a  mass  oi  rocks  varying  in 
size  from  a  water  pail  to  a  large  cask. 


226 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


of  the  fog  they  ran  only  a  short  distance,  and  having  made  the  buoy  on  the 
Inner  Faun,  came  to  anchor,  where,  shortly  after,  we  saw  them.  The  fact 
that  the  forefoot  and  after  part  of  the  keel  of  the  vessel  was  ground  off  into 
the  wood  ends,  and  six  or  seven  bilge  planks  were  cut  through,  or  nearly 
through,  causing  a  leak  of  2,500  strokes  an  hour,  tells  how  narrow  an  escape 
from  death  those  had  who  remained  on  board. 

Such  are  some,  though  by  no  means  all,  of  the  adventures  through  which 
Capt.  Murphy  has  passed ;  and  the  fact  that  he  still  lives  to  brave  the  per- 
ils of  the  deep,  and  is  as  vigorous,  "hale  and  hearty  as  any  on  'em,"  might 
be  cited  as  proof  that 

"  There's  a  sweet  little  cherub  sits  up  aloft 
To  watch  over  the  life  of  poor  Jack." 


THE  OPEN  SEA. 


BY  C.  W.  J. 


Far  out  at  sea, 

Where  tossing  billows  mock  the  sky 
And  shrill  winds  whistle  free 

And  fleecy  clouds  go  hurrying  by. 
What  care  we  for  the  land 

Except  to  keep  it  far  away? 
For  here  no  rocks  or  whelming  sand 

Along  our  free  course  lay. 

Along  the  land  lie  shoals, 
Treacherous  bar  and  cruel  reef, 

Where  the  curling  breaker  rolls 
With  mournful  moan  of  woe  and  grief. 


On  the  land  is  guile 

Fraud  and  treachery,  vile  and  base, 
Where  the  coward  lurks  with  stealthy  wile 

And  smooth,  deceitful  face. 

Here  is  no  deceit ! 

The  Storm  King  warns  ere  he  makes  attack ; 
Swift  heralds,  with  white  hurrying  feet, 

Tell  the  approach  of  the  tempest  black. 
Man  struggles  'gainst  wind  and  wave 
'  In  an  honest  fight  that  is  fair  and  free, 
And  God  alone  can  save. 

Hurrah  for  the  open  sea  1 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  227 


Gloucester's  Exhibition  at  the  Centennial. 

The  Fishery  Exhibit  made  by  this  city  at  the  Centennial,  at  Philadelphia, 
in  1876,  gave  much  satisfaction  to  the  thousands  who  witnessed  it,  and 
this,  together  with  the  distribution  of  the  five  thousand  copies  of  the  Cen- 
tennial Pamphlet  giving  a  full  description  of  the  fishing  industry  and  the 
relation  which  Gloucester  sustained  as  the  largest  fishing  port  in  the  United; 
States,  undoubtedly  resulted  beneficially  in  a  business  point  of  view.  Mr. 
Edward  King,  the  able  and  interesting  Centennial  correspondent  of  the 
Boston  "Journal,"  wrote  the  following  account  of  the  Gloucester  exhibit, 
which  was  published  in  the  columns  of  that  paper,  and  we  are  pleased  to 
reproduce  it  in  the  pages  of  "The  Fishermen's  Own  Book": 

"  In  the  vicinity  of  the  Aquarial  Department  in  the  Agricultural  Hall  the 
city  of  Gloucester  has  erected  a  tank  23  by  12  feet,  filled'  with  water,  in 
which  correct  models  of  the  fishing  fleet  of  the  old  and  new  times  are  afloat, 
illustrating  the  different  branches  of  the  fisheries.  In  one  corner  is  the  old 
'cob  wharf  of  Revolutionary  years,  with  its  primitive  appliances,  and  the 
odd,  quaint  'pinkies'  lying  beside  it.  Opposite  it  is  a  model  of  the  massive 
and  durable  pile  wharves,  such  as  are  built  in  Gloucester  in  1876,  ten  times 
as  large  as  the  old  ones.  On  this  the  fishermen  are  shown  at  work  packing 
mackerel.  All  the  appliances  of  fishing  wharves  are  exhibited.  Ranged 
about  in  the  little  harbor  are  models  of  all  the  various  improvements  in  fish- 
ing craft,  from  1800  down  to  the  present  time.  The  old  Manchester,  a  fa- 
mous fisher  in  her  day,  built  about  the  beginning  of  this  century,  is  exhibited 
in  model.  The  Manchester  is  still  in  existence,  and  is  now  in  the  carrying 
trade  somewhere  'down  East.'  The  'bankers'  that  go  to  Georges  Bank, 
the  'seiners'  and  the  'market  boats'  are  all  shown,  and  a  practical  model 
gives  a  very  correct  idea  of  the  setting  of  a  mackerel  seine. 

"  In  addition  to  the  exhibit  in  this  tank  there  is  a  fine  collection  of  objects 
belonging  to  the  fisheries,  or  of  curiosities  collected  during  the  voyages. 
The  quadrant,  made  in  1761,  and  used  by  Capt.  Isaac  Day  over  a  century 
ago,  is  shown ;  near  it  stands  an  hour-glass  still  older.  There  is  also  a  cu- 
rious substance  resembling  branch  coral,  which  is  said  to  have  been  fished 
up  in  one  hundred  and  fifty  fathoms  of  water  by  a  'banker.'  Here,  too,  are 
seen  all  the  appliances  which  make  the  fishing  vessel  of  to-day  a  palace 
compared  with  its  rude  prototype  of  a  century  ago. 

"  Gloucester  maintains  her  position  as  first  among  fishing  ports  proudly. 
Every  year  more  and  more  direct  trade  comes  to  her ;  and  she  still  controls 
her  market  even  on  the  Pacific  coast,  sending  great  quantities  of  fish  to 


228 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK, 


Sacramento.  It  is  not  a  little  curious,  also,  that  this  very  year  she  has  be- 
gun exporting  fish  to  Sweden.  One  would  have  thought  that  like  carrying 
coals  to  Newcastle.     But  even  stranger  things  may  happen. 

"The  exhibit  of  the  Gloucester  fisheries  is,  however,  the  most  interesting 
one  of  its  kind  in  the  Exhibition.  It  is  by  far  the  most  complete,  as  it  gives 
an  accurate  idea  of  the  growth  from  very  small  proportions  to  their  present 
gigantic  status  of  the  fisheries  of  the  largest  fishing  port  in  the  world. 
Brave  old  Gloucester !  There  is  almost  poetry  in  these  toy  sails  and  mimic 
wharves,  and  imitation  seas  spread  out  before  the  eyes  of  visitors  to  the 
Exhibition,  for  they  recall  the  many  pathetic  stories  which  we  have  heard 
of  the  losses  of  good  fishermen  and  their  ships  on  the  gloomy  and  treacher- 
ous 'banks.'" 


THE  WIDOW'S   APPEAL  TO   THE   WINDS   AND   SEA. 


BY  GEORGE  H.  PROCTER. 


Winds,  to  your  charge  I  give 

My  bonnie  fisher  lad ; 
A  treasure  very  dear  to  me, 

Whose  absence  makes  me  sad. 
He  toils  that  we  may  live, 

His  mother,  sisters  three, 
Widowed  and  fatherless, 

Made  so  by  thee. 

Blow  steady — let  no  gales 

Their  fury  burst  upon 
The  craft  which  holds  my  boy, 

This  darling,  only  son. 
Gently  the  snowy  sails 

Fill  with  thy  wondrous  breath, 
And  waft  him  back  to  me, 

And  not  to  death. 


O  sea,  a  boon  I  crave, 

Thou,  too,  must  guard  my  boy ; 
Do  not  his  graceful  form 

To  thy  embrace  decoy ; 
But  bear  him  safely  o'er 

Thy  pathless,  billowy  space, 
That  we  may  gladsome  be 

At  sight  of  that  dear  face. 

Buoy  up  his  vessel  well, 

Ye  waves,  your  force  subdue ; 
No  sullen  humors  take, 

But  to  your  charge  be  true. 
Around  the  schooner's  prow 

In  tiny  wavelets  break, 
O  treacherous,  heaving  sea, 

For  his  dear  sake. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  229 


Picking  the  Nets  and  Trawls, 

Wherein  We  Find  Good  Hauls  of  Facts,  Incidents,  Off-Hand  Sketches,  and 
Items  of  Interest  Concerning  the  Fishermen  and  Their  Calling. 

Important  to  Fishermen. — The  Direct  United  States  Cable  Company 
have  charts  for  the  guidance  and  information  of  fishermen,  showing  the  lo- 
cation of  the  company's  cables,  with  the  depths  of  water,  and  request  cap- 
tains to  give  them  a  wide  berth.  Should  any  vessel,  however,  lose  her 
anchor  or  cable  by  reason  of  coming  in  contact  with  the  telegraph  cable, 
and  will  use  every  endeavor  to  save  the  same  from  damage,  the  company 
will  reimburse  the  loss,  subject  to  adjustment,  upon  being  satisfied  that  the 
claim  is  a  just  one.  On  the  fourth  page  of  the  advertising  department  may 
be  found  full  particulars,  and  it  being  of  great  public  interest,  we  thus  call 
attention  to  it. 

The  sum  of  $100  was  received  by  Collector  Babson  in  March,  1881,  from 
the  Direct  United  States  Cable  Co.,  as  compensation  for  the  loss  of  anchor 
by  sch.  Oliver  Eldridge,  Capt.  John  Scott.  The  schooner  was  at  anchor  on 
Brown's  Bank,  and  had  drifted  during  a  high  wind  and  fouled  the  telegraph 
cable.  Upon  ascertaining  the  fact,  Capt.  Scott  cut  his  cable  and  reported 
the  case  to  Collector  Babson,  who  sent  on  the  evidence,  and  the  company 
promptly  paid  the  damages.  The  honorable  manner  in  which  the  company 
proposes  to  deal  with  our  fishermen  should  entitle  it  to  the  most  careful 
consideration  when  they  are  fishing  in  the  vicinity  of  the  cable,  by  using 
every  precaution  to  avoid  fouling  it,  and  when  fouling,  to  cut  at  once  rather 
than  run  the  risk  of  injuring  the  cable. 

,-;--;       "  #*       Interesting  Statistics  Gleaned  from  Exper- 

H^  iments  of  the  U.  S.  Fish  Commission  in  Glouc- 
ester.— The  loss  of  weight  of  codfish  from  the 
round  to  the  market-dried  fish  is  from  54*^  to  65^ 
per  cent.,  the  average  loss  being  about  .6023,  dis- 
tributed as  follows  :  Loss  in  splitting,  .4044  ;  loss 
in  pickle,  .1496  ;  loss  on  flakes,  .0483.  The  shrink- 
age in  length  from  the  round  to  the  split  fish  is  from  6^  to  11  ^  inches. 
By  extra  drying,  in  the  warmest  weather,  the  average  loss  in  weight  is  about 
a  half  per  cent.  more.  The  loss  of  weight  of  Georges  cod  in  curing,  after 
being  split  and  salted  on  board  the  vessel,  averages  about  11^  percent. 
The  average  loss  in  weight  of  market-dried  fish  in  boning  is  nearly  22  per 


23o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

cent  (.219).  Pollock,  from  the  round  to  the  market-dried  fish  lose  on  an 
average  59  8-10  per  cent.,  and  shrink  in  length  from  8  to  12  inches.  Had- 
dock shrink  in  length  from  the  round  to  the  marked-dried  fish  from  4  to  5^ 
inches,  and  lose  in  weight  62  3-10  per  cent.  The  loss  of  weight  in  hake 
from  the  round  to  the  market-dried  fish  averages  55^  per  cent.,  the  loss 
in  length  from  4^  to  10  inches.  Cusk  lose  from  the  round  to  the  market- 
dried  fish  50^  per  cent,  in  weight  and  from  4^  to  7^  inches  in  length. 

Protecting  Trawl  and  Net  Fishermen. — The  following  is  the  full 
text  of  the  bill  approved  March  11,  1882,  to  take  effect  forty  days  thereafter, 
for  the  protection  of  the  rights  of  lobster,  net  and  trawl  fishermen : 

"  Any  person  who  shall  take  any  fish  or  lobster  from  any  trap,  trawl  or 
seine  set  for  catching  fish  or  lobsters,  except  by  consent  of  the  owner  there- 
of, and  any  person  who  shall  wilfully  molest  or  interfere  with  such  trap, 
trawl  or  seine,  shall  for  the  first  offence  be  punished  by  a  fine  of  not  less 
than  five  nor  more  than  twenty-five  dollars,  or  by  both  fine  and  imprison- 
ment ;  and  for  any  subsequent  offence  by  a  fine  of  not  less  than  twenty  nor 
more  than  fifty  dollars,  or  by  imprisonment  for  sixty  days,  or  both  fine  and 
imprisonment." 

Some  Mackerel  Trips  Forty-five  Years  Ago. — A  blue-covered  pass 
book  preserved  among  the  papers  of  Messrs.  James  Mansfield  &  Sons,  gives 
an  account  of  the  outfits  of  a  schooner  commanded  by  Capt.  Ignatius  Syl- 
vester of  Riverdale,  on  half  a  dozen  or  more  mackerel  trips  in  the  Summer 
and  Fall  of  1837.'  The  book  is  in  the  handwriting  of  Capt.  George  W. 
Plumer,  with  occasional  entries  in  the  writing  of  Mr.  James  Mansfield,  then 
the  head  of  the  firm,  both  of  whom  are  still  living,  and  indicates  that  besides 
Capt.  Sylvester  the  crew  consisted  of  George  Stanwood,  Addison  Griffin, 
Tristram  Griffin,  Henry  Stanwood,  John  Parsons  and  Issac  Babson,  all  of 
whom  with  the  exception  of  the  two  last  named  are  still  among  the  living. 
Three  of  the  number,  Messrs.  Sylvester,  Henry  Stanwood  and  George  Stan- 
wood commanded  vessels  in  the  employ  of  the  Messrs.  Mansfield  for  an 
aggregate  of  one  hundred  years.  The  accounts  are  made  out  in  the  form 
of  "Great  General"  and  "Small  General,"  the-  former  covering  salt,  fuel 
and  lights,  bait  and  use  of  bait  mill  ($2),  and  the  latter  including  provisions, 
hooks,  lines,  leads,  sawing  wood,  etc.  The  time  covered  by  the  pass  book 
was  from  June  30  to  Nov.  16.  The  fuel  consisted  of  wood,  a  cord  and  five 
feet  being  required  for  the  season,  at  $7  per  cord.  For  light  four  gallons 
and  a  quart  of  oil  at  $1.10  per  gallon,  and  six  pounds  of  candles  at  15  cents 
per  pound,  were  required.  We  find  only  3  bbls.  of  bait  charged,  2  at  $2.25 
and  1  at  $2.75.  Salt  was  billed  at  $3.30  and  $3.37^  per  hhd.,  all  but  9 
hhds.  at  the  higher  rate,  and  37  hhds.  were  taken  on  board,  of  which  a  por- 
tion was  returned. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  231 

The  meat  provided,  excepting  53  cents  worth  of  veal,  consisted  of  142 
lbs.  beef  at  8  cents  per  lb.,  and  170^  lbs.  pork,  from  12  to  14  cts.  per  lb.; 
203  lbs.  flour  were  supplied  at  6%  cts.  per  lb.,  4  pecks  meal  at  34  cts.  per 
peck,  445  lbs.  bread  from  7^  to  2>x/2  cts.  per  lb.,  5^  bush,  potatoes  from 
40  to  67  cts.  per  bush.,  59  gals,  molasses  at  34  and  36  cts.  per  gal.,  33  lbs. 
rice  at  5  and  6  cts.  per  lb.,  3  bush,  beans  at  8  cts.  per  qt.,  2  gals,  vinegar  at 
20  cts.  per  gal.,  a  can  of  mustard,  a  pound  of  saleratus  and  a  bottle  of  pep- 
per sauce.  For  drink  there  were  35  lbs.  coffee  at  ten  cents  per  pound,  and 
1  lb.  chocolate  at  22  cents.  34^  lbs.  of  lard  were  used  at  10  cts.  per  lb., 
and  the  butter  and  cheese  bill  was  very  moderate,  IdF'only  72  cts. 

^  A   Singular   Circumstance. — Dec.  15,  1865,  sch. 

jfi^L^  Live  Yankee,  then  owned  at  this  port  by  Daniel  Sayward, 
^^^^mWaKl^i  while  anchored  on  Georges  during  a  heavy  sea,  un- 
JP^^M  f  /  r  shipped  her  bowsprit  shroud,  which  was  lost  overboard? 
^a|^ug  and  when  she  returned  to  port  a  new  one  was  furnished 
^^^mhBB^^  by  Mr.  Addison  Witham,  rigger.  The  next  Spring,  while 
the  crew  were  engaged  in  fishing  on  Georges,  one  of  them  caught  something 
on  his  hook,  and  pulling  up,  was  surprised  to  find  a  bowsprit  shroud  at- 
tached. Supposing  themselves  to  be  anchored  over  the  wreck  of  some 
Georgesman,  they  brought  the  shroud  in,  and  called  some  of  the  riggers  to 
examine  it  for  the  purpose  of  identification,  and  thus  to  gain  information  of 
a  lost  vessel.  Among  them  was  Mr.  Witham,  who  at  once  pronounced  it 
the  one  lost  by  the  Live  Yankee  the  December  previous.  He  was  positive 
of  this,  as  it  had  a  very  peculiar  long-shanked  hook,  different  from  any  other 
in  our  fleet,  and  it  corresponded  exactly  with  the  other  one  which  is  still  in 
use  on  the  vessel.  It  was  in  good  condition,  with  the  exception  of  some 
parts  of  it  being  covered  with  small  barnacles.  It  was  indeed  singular  that 
it  should  be  hooked  up  in  the  manner  it  was,  by  one  of  the  crew  of  the  ves- 
sel from  which  it  was  lost. 

The  Isinglass  Industry. — The  first  establishment  in  this  country  for 
the  manufacture  of  isinglass  from  fish  sounds  was  set  up  in  Rockport,  Mass., 
in  1822,  by  a  Mr.  Hall,  an  Englishman,  who  came  to  the  town  for  that  pur- 
pose, because  he  could  best  buy  here  the  hake  sounds  he  wished  to  use. 
His  shop  was  out  near  the  end  of  the  neck,  the  same  building  Mr.  Addison 
Gott  now  uses  as  a  fish  house.  He  first  used  wooden  rollers,  which  had  the 
disadvantage  of  warmth  and  adhesiveness.  Besides,  his  rollers  were  turned 
by  hand  power,  two  men  to  a  roller,  making  very  unsteady  work  ;  it  is  said 
the  wages  of  this  human  power  was  from  thirty  to  forty  cents  a  day.  After 
some  years,  iron  rollers  were  introduced,  and  the  next  improvement  was 
horse  power,  using  a  treadmill.     Mr.  Hall,  within  a  few  years  after  he  start- 


232  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

ed  here,  took  in  Jabez  Rowe  as  partner,  and  they  continued  together  some 
years.  After  some  twelve  years  here  Mr.  Hall  died,  and  tradition  says  was 
quite  poor.  In  the  course  of  time  Deacon  Gott,  Messrs.  William  Burns  and 
William  Norwood  became  interested  in  the  dawning  enterprise,  and  they 
built  the  now  old  Rockport  Sound  Factory  on  Dock  Square.  They  had  in- 
troduced steam  power  and  many  other  later  improvements.  The  price  at 
first  paid  for  sounds  was  usually  five  or  six  cents  a  pound.  One  year,  when 
the  price  was  held  as  high  as  eight  cents,  they  thought  of  abandoning  the 
business  on  account  of  the  enormous  cost  of  sounds.  This  seems  singular 
to  us,  who  in  our  time  have  known  sounds  to  bring  over  $1,50  a  pound. 

Two  Old  Jokers. — Among  the  fishermen  of  Maine  who  formerly  sailed 
from  Gloucester  was  Captain  Ezra  T — ,  a  great  wit  in  his  way,  and  always 
ready  with  a  joke  or  repartee.  On  one  occasion,  while  engaged  in  the  mack- 
erel fishery,  he  had  as  one  of  his  crew  Hiram  S — ,  who  was  noted  among 
his  compeers  for  having  a  remarkably  large  head.  The  last-named  individ- 
ual being  employed  one  day  in  stowing  mackerel  barrels  in  the  hold  of  the 
vessel,  a  discussion  arose  as  to  whether  a  barrel  would  go  in  a  certain  place 
or  not.  Captain  T — ,  who  was  on  deck,  happening  to  overhear  the  remarks, 
pro  and  con,  of  the  men  in  the  hold,  leaned  over  the  hatchway  and,  speak- 
ing to  S — ,  said,  "  Shove  your  head  in  there,"  Hi.  (an  abbreviation  for  Hi- 
ram)— "if  your  head  will  go,  a  barrel  will/" 

But  Captain  T —  met  his  match  on  one  occasion  in  his  friend  and  neigh- 
bor, Captain  R — .  As  the  story  was  told,  the  former,  who  was  sometimes 
addicted  to  convivial  habits,  crooked  his  elbow  rather  too  frequently  one 
evening,  and  having  to  pass  through  a  growth  of  woods  on  his  way  home, 
got  astray.  After  struggling  through  underbrush  and  other  obstructions, 
and  losing  his  hat,  he  finally  reached  the  house  of  his  friend  R — ,  who,  of 
course,  supplied  him  with  a  hat,  and  started  him  on  the  right  track  for  home. 
A  few  months  later  Captain  T —  was  engaged  in  trading  along  the  coast  of 
Maine  in  his  vessel,  and,  among  other  things,  had  some  furniture  to  sell. 
One  day  he  called  at  the  house  of  Captain  R — ,  and  tried  to  induce  the  lat- 
ter to  buy  something.  After  enumerating  the  various  kinds  of  goods  he 
had  for  sale,  a  thought  struck  him,  and  he  asked,  "  Don't  you  want  to  buy  a 
table,  R — ?"  R — ,  who  had  a  large  family,  replied,  "Dod  blast  it,  no  !  I've 
more  tables  now  than  I  can  fill  with  grub."  "I  believe  that,"  said  T — , 
"but,  at  least,  you  ought  to  have  one  respectable  table  on  which  to  put  gen- 
tlemen's hats,  when  any,  like  me,  for  instance,  comes  to  see  you."  "Oh, 
yes,  that's  so,"  exclaimed  R — ,  "but  when  gentlemen  like  you  come  to  see 
me,  they  generally  come  drunk  and  bareheaded" 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


233 


Every  Part  of  the  fish  is  now 
utilized,  the  skin  being  the  last  to^ 
find  its  place  among  merchantable 
articles.  This  is  used  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  fish  glue  and  cement, 
and  the  product  is  ranked  among 
the  best  in  the  world.  There  are 
^p"  two  companies  in  Gloucester  en- 
gaged in  its  manufacture,  and  their  business  is  constantly  increasing.  The 
raw  material  is  held  at  $12  per  ton,  at  which  price  it  finds  a  ready  sale. 
The  skins  are  also  used  in  the  manufacture  of  guano,  and  now  that  the  bone- 
less fish  industry  has  assumed  such  large  proportions  these  skins  form  a 
large  source  of  profit  to  the  fish  dealers. 

The  First  Trawl  Fisherman  of  whom  we  have  any  record  was  Mr. 
Coleman  Manning  of  Rockport,  whose  unexampled  success  in  fishing  was 
long  a  mystery  to  his  fellow  fishermen,  until  the  secret  was  discovered,  caus- 
ing considerable-  indignation  at  the  method  pursued,  as  it  was  thought  it 
would  damage  the  fisheries.  This  was  about  1852,  and  the  trawl  roll  used 
by  Mr.  Manning,  an  uncouth-looking  affair,  has  been  presented  to  the  Na- 
tional Museum  of  the  United  States.  Mr.  John  Rowe,  of  East  Gloucester, 
claims  to  have  set  a  trawl  across  Brace's  Cove,  in  May,  1820,  but  the  prac- 
tice was  not  then  followed  up. 

Menhaden  Factories. — The  number  of  menhaden  factories  in  operation 
last  year,  188 1,  was  97,  employing  73  steamers  and  286  sailing  vessels,  with 
2,805  men,  who  caught  457,192,000  fish,  from  which  were  made  1,266,549 
gallons  of  oil  and  27,592  tons  of  crude  or  15,027  tons  of  dried  guano. 

The  Materials  of  Which  Fish  Are  Composed. 
— Considered  from  the  standpoint  of  the  food,  fish, 
as  we  buy  them  in  the  market,  consist  of  flesh,  or 
edible  portion,  and  refuse — bones,  skin,  entrails,  etc. 
The  proportions  of  refuse  in  different  samples  of 
the  same  kind,  in  different  conditions,  vary  widely. 
Thus  a  sample  of  flounder  contained  68  per  cent, 
of  refuse  and  only  32  per  cent,  of  flesh,  while  one 
of  halibut  steak  had  only  18  per  cent,  of  refuse  and  82  per  cent,  of  edible 
materials.  Among  those  with  the  most  refuse  and  least  edible  flesh  are  the 
flounder,  porgy,  bass  and  perch.  Among  those  with  the  least  refuse  are  fat 
shad,  fat  mackerel,  salmon,  and  dried  and  salt  fish.  The  edible  portions 
consist  of  water  and  solids,  actual  nutrients.     The  proportion  of  water  and 


234 


FISHERMEN'S  O  WN  BOOK. 


solids  in  the  flesh  of  various  kinds  of  fish  is  much  more  variable  than  most 
people  would  suppose.  Thus  the  flesh  of  flounders  had  85  per  cent,  of  wa- 
ter and  only  15  per  cent,  of  solids,  while  that  of  salmon  contained  36^  per 
cent,  solids  and  63%  per  cent,  water,  and  the  flesh  of  dried,  smoked  and 
salt  fish  have  still  less  water.  Lean  beef  contains,  on  the  average,  25  per 
cent,  or  one-quarter  its  weight  of  solids,  the  other  three-quarters  being  wa- 
ter, while  fat  pork  has  one-half  solids.  Ordinary  fresh  meats  are  from  one- 
half  to  three-fourths  water,  while  the  water  in  the  fresh  fish  varies  from 
three-fifths  to  six-sevenths  of  the  whole.  To  find  the  actual  nutritive  mate- 
rials of  a  sample  of  fish,  we  must  first  subtract  the  refuse — the  entrails, 
bones,  etc. — which  leaves  the  flesh.  Then  we  must  allow  for  the  water  in 
the  flesh.  What  remains  will  be  the  total  edible  solids,  the  actual  nutritive 
material.  The  per  centages  of  edible  solids  in  the  different  samples  of  fish 
were  more  varied  than  those  of  refuse  and  water.  Thus  100  pounds  of 
flounders  contained  only  5  pounds  of  actual  nutrients;  100  pounds  of  had- 
dock, 9  pounds;  of  bluefish,  11  pounds;  of  cod,  12  pounds;  salt  mackerel, 
16  pounds  ;  shad,  16  pounds  ;  salt  cod,  20  pounds  ;  salmon,  27  pounds;  and 
smoked  herring  28  pounds. — Sea  World. 

Georges  Bank. — For  the  benefit  of  many  who  will  peruse  this  volume 
we  will  state  that  Georges  Bank  is  190  miles  east-southeast  from  Cape  Ann, 
and  about  a  twenty  hours'  run  in  a  good  breeze  for  one  of  our  fishermen. 
There  is  shoal  water  fishing  and  deep  water  fishing — the  latter  requiring 
from  100  to  150  fathoms  of  line,  and  is  comparatively  new,  the  first  season 
of  its  success  being  in  1876.  LaHave  Bank  is  100  miles  east  of  Georges, 
and  fishing  thereon  has  been  commenced  by  our  fleet  within  the  past  five 
years. 

The  Old  Man's  Yarn. — An  Of-fish-al  Narra- 
tive.— 'Twas  in  the  Summer  of  'seventeen,  as  fine 
an  August  day  as  you  have  ever  seen.  Our  Sary 
Ann,  upon  the  beach,  set  up  a  most  unearthly 
screech,  and  in  a  fit  she  fell.  From  cot  and  wind- 
mill near  at  hand,  alarmed  to  hear  her  yell,  quick 
out  upon  the  glistening  sand  the  neighbors  rushed 
pell-mell.  No  need  of  words  from  Sary  Ann, 
what  startled  her  to  tell,  for  every  maid  and  every 
man,  who  to  the  beach  so  quickly  ran,  soon  saw  a 
sight  that  caused  a  fright,  and  made  them  feel 
from  head  to  heel  as  limp  as  this  umb'rel.  For 
there,  two  hundred  yards  from  shore,  a  monster 
none  had  seen  before,  upreared  its  hideous  head ; 
with  fork-ed  tongue  and  eyes  of  flame,  and  looks  of  menace,  on  it  came,  as 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  235 

if  to  strike  them  dead  j  the  waters  half  a  mile  away  were  lashed  with  fury 
into  spray  each  time  it  moved  its  tail,  and  all  the  way  between  rose  hump 
on  hump  of  olive  green,  like  huge  waves  in  a  gale.  Glad  hearts  were  theirs 
who  watched  that  day — to  apprehension  dire  a  prey — to  see  the  monster 
turn  aside  and  from  the  harbor  quickly  glide.  Horse  mackerel  and  porpoise 
schools  will  do  to  talk  about  to  fools ;  but  we  who  lived  in  'seventeen  know 
that  the  sea  serpent  was  seen. 

Veteran  Craft.— Pinkey  Senator,  32.67  tons,  built  at  Essex  in  183 1,  is 
still  owned  at  this  port.  Sch.  Ann  Parker,  built  at  Wells,  Me.,  in  1850,  is 
owned  at  Pigeon  Cove.  Pinkey  Albatross,  of  Castine,  Me.,  built  in  1829, 
was  at  this  port  with  a  load  of  barrels  in  the  Summer  of  1881.  The  whaler 
Mt.  Wallaston,  whose  wreck  was  discovered  in  the  ice  of  the  Arctic  ocean  in 
188 1,  formerly  hailed  from  Gloucester  at  a  time  when  it  was  proposed  to 
establish  the  whaling  business  from  this  port.  She  sailed  on  her  first  voy- 
age Jan.  9,  1834.  Four  months  out  she  was  spoken  with  250  bbls.  of  oil  ; 
Oct.  20,  1834,  with  750  bbls.;  Dec.  14,  with  1,200  bbls.  She  arrived  home 
May  17,  1835,  with  1,600  bbls.,  150  sperm,  and  13,000  lbs.  bone.  The 
voyage  did  not  prove  so  successful  as  had  been  anticipated,  but  she  was 
again  fitted  out,  and  sailed  on  her  second  voyage  in  July,  1835.  In  August 
she  was  spoken,  having  taken  four  whales.  Jan.  13,  1836,  she  was  again 
spoken,  and  reported  2,200  bbls.  March  29  she  arrived  home  with  1,600 
bbls.  whale,  550  sperm,  and  16,000  lbs.  bone.  This  would  now  be  consid- 
ered a  successful  voyage,  but  on  account  of  the  low  price  of  oil  it  was  not 
then  regarded  as  satisfactory,  and  the  ship  was  sold  at  auction  for  $4,510 
to  J.  B.  Osgood  of  Salem,  from  which  port  she  made  several  voyages. 

Something  about  Lobsters. — It  has  often  been  stated 
that  "in  general  lobsters  change  their  shell  once  a  year, 
and  it  is  a  painful  operation."  A  friend  of  ours  in  this 
city,  who  has  an  aquarium,  states  that  he  has  a  lobster 
which  changed  his  shell  three  times  within  a  year.  He  is  also  of  opinion 
that  when  in  the  sea  where  they  get  a  full  supply  of  such  food  as  they  re- 
quire, that  they  change  their  shells  even  oftener  than  this,  as  it  is  necessary 
for  them  to  do  so,  in  order  to  grow.  Can  any  one  give  us  any  more  light 
on  this  subject  ? 

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  blasting  of  Hell  Gate  destroyed  immense 
quantities  of  lobsters ;  so  great  a  dread  have  lobsters  of  thunder  that  they 
will  cast  off  their  big  claws  when  a  loud  clap  occurs  or  when  a  gun  is  fired. 
In  olden  times  captains  of  vessels  often  extorted  blackmail  from  lobster 
fishermen  by  threatening  to  fire  cannon  over  the  fishing  grounds,  knowing 


236 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


full  well  that  the  concussion  would  cause  the  lobsters  to  cast  their  claws, 
thereby  destroying  their  value. 

Lobster  spearing  is  pursued  in  the  Indian  fashion,  by  torchlights.  A 
dark,  calm  night  and  a  falling  tide  are  the  first  requisites,  and  the  crew  of 
the  canoe  must  consist  of  three — one  to  row,  one  to  hold  the  torch  so  that 
its  light  will  fall  through  the  shallow  water  and  light  up  the  bottom  to  show 
the  lobsters  crouched  among  the  seaweed  ;  and  last,  but  not  least,  the  spear- 
er,  armed  with  a  long  wooden  spear,  which  it  requires  considerable  skill  and 
practice  to  drive  down,  so  that  the  two  prongs  will  close  over  the  lobster's 
back,  capturing  him  firmly,  leaving  the  body  uninjured.  It  is  a  sport  both 
exciting  and  picturesque,  as  the  boat  creeps  along  under  the  shadow  of  the 
bank  and  the  torch  casts  a  Rembrandtish  light  on  the  occupants  and  on  the 
overhanging  trees.  The  captive  lobsters  sometimes  make  very  unpleasant 
occupiers  of  a  boat,  and  it  requires  great  equanimity  to  feel  them  crawling 
about  one's  feet. 


A  Faithful  Beacon  Light. — It  is  a  very 
tender  story  of  faithfulness  in  humble  places, 
which  Jean  Ingelow  relates.  It  was  in  one  of 
the  Orkney  Islands,  far  beyond  the  north  of 
Scotland.  On  the  coast  of  this  island  there 
stood  a  rock  called  Lonely  Rock,  very  danger- 
ous to  mariners.  On  a  night,  long  ago,  a  young 
girl  was  kneeling  at  the  window  in  her  chamber 
in  a  fisherman's  cottage,  looking  out  upon  the 
dark  and  driving  clouds,  and  listening  anxious- 
ly to  the  wind  and  sea.  At  last  the  morning 
came,  and  one  boat  that  should  have  been  rid- 
ing on  the  waves  was  missing.  It  was  her  fa- 
ther's boat,  and  half  a  mile  from  the  cottage 
her  father's  body  was  found  washed  upon  the 
sand.  He  had  been  wrecked  against  the  Lone- 
ly Rock.  The  girl  watched  her  father's  body, 
according  to  the  customs  of  her  people,  till  it  was  laid  in  the  grave,  then 
she  lay  down  on  her  bed  and  slept.  When  the  night  came  she  arose  and 
set  a  candle  in  her  casement.  All  night  she  sat  by  the  candle,  trimmed  it 
when  it  flickered  down,  and  spun.  So  many  hanks  of  yarn  as  she  had  spun 
before  for  her  daily  bread,  she  spun  still,  and  one  hank  over  for  her  nightly 
candle.  And  from  that  time  to  the  time  of  telling  this  story — for  fifty  years, 
through  youth,  maturity,  into  old  age — she  has  turned  night  into  day.  And 
in  the  snowstorms  of  winter,  in  the  serene  calms  of  Summer,  through  driv- 
ing mists,  deceptive  moonlight  and  solemn  darkness,  that  northern  harbor 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  237 

has  never  once  been  without  the  light  of  that  small  candle.  However  far 
the  fisherman  might  be  standing  out  to  sea,  he  had  only  to  bear  down 
straight  for  that  lighted  window,  and  he  was  sure  of  a  safe  entrance.  And 
so  for  all  these  fifty  years  that  tiny  light,  flaming  thus  out  of  devotion  and 
self-sacrifice,  has  helped,  and  cheered,  and  saved. 

Rare  Fish. — Sch.  Laura  Nelson,  Capt.  Roderic  Morrison,  arrived  from 
Grand  Bank  in  July,  1881,  bringing  in  a  very  curious  fish  taken  from  the 
stomach  of  a  halibut  caught  on  the  western  end  of  the  Bank.  It  measured 
three  feet,  one  inch,  in  length,  and  about  two  inches  through,  and  was  of  a 
silvery  color,  having  a  sharp-pointed  head,  with  a  projecting  flexible  under 
jaw,  and  a  small  fan-shaped  tail.  It  was  presented  to  Capt.  Martin,  local 
representative  of  the  U.  S.  Fish  Commission,  by  whom  it  was  forwarded  to 
Prof.  Baird  at  Woods  Holl.  The  professor  is  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  of  a 
new  genus  and  new  species,  closely  allied  to  the  scabbard  fish,  of  which  two 
or  three  specimens  have  been  received  from  the  Banks. 

Look  Out  for  the  Raw  Material. — It  is  a  mistake  for  any  community 
to  allow  its  raw  material  to  be  carried  away,  to  have  its  value  increased  by 
labor  somewhere  else.  Gloucester  is  learning  this  to  some  extent,  and  the 
preparation  of  boneless  fish,  the  canning  of  mackerel,  and  the  manufacture 
of  fish  glue  and  fertilizers  are  all  steps  in  the  right  direction,  making  labor 
for  many  hands,  and  enhancing  the  value  of  our  fish  products.  The  prac- 
tice of  selling  mackerel  out  of  pickle,  on  the  other  hand,  which  has  grown 
up  of  late  years,  is  a  step  in  the  wrong  direction,  as  the  profits  of  packing 
and  inspection  might  just  as  well  be  kept  at  home.  Selling  from  pickle  all 
the  early  part  of  the  season,  and  thus  giving  to  other  markets  the  profits  of 
handling  the  catch,  and  compelling  purchasers  to  seek  their  supplies  else- 
where than  at  the  producing  headquarters,  will,  ere  long,  cause  Gloucester 
to  lose  its  prestige  as  a  mackerel  market,  and  the  later  catch  of  home  in- 
spection will  have  to  seek  a  market  through  second  hands.  Gloucester  is  a 
loser  by  many  thousands  of  dollars,  from  the  practice  of  selling  out  of  pickle, 
which  we  hope  to  see  done  away  with  another  season. 

The  Talking  Codfish. — Recently  two  chaps, 
whom  we  shall  call  Bill  and  Joe,  went  out  back  of 
the  Point  in  a  dory  to  try  their  luck  fishing.  Bill 
possessed  good  powers  of  ventriloquism,  which  Joe 
was  not  aware  of.  They  spent  a  couple  of  hours 
in  fishing,  and  had  good  luck,  when  Joe  hauled  in 
a  large-sized  cod,  and  when  he  came  up  alongside, 
imagine  his  surprise  when  there  issued  from  the  cod's  mouth,  in  words  as 


238 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


plain  as  human  lips  could  speak,  "  Halloo,  Joe,  so  you've  got  me,  after  all ! " 
To  say  that  Joe  was  frightened  does  not  express  it.  He  was  fairly  stunned 
—so  much  so  that  he  couldn't  get  the  fish  on  board  the  dory,  and  he  went 
down  again  the  length  of  the  line.  Bill,  also,  showed  signs  of  agitation,  but 
endeavored  to  make  Joe  think  that  he  was  mistaken,  and  commenced  pull- 
ing the  fish  in.  When  he  again  reached  the  surface,  Joe  was  amazed  to 
hear  from  the  fish's  throat,  as  distinct  as  could  be,  "Bill,  you  hurt!  Pull 
out  the  hook  and  let  me  go."  That  was  too  much  for  Joe.  He  cut  the 
line,  hauled  up  the  anchor  and  commenced  rowing  home,  vowing  that  it  was 
the  d — l's  own  work,  and  he  was  afraid  that  it  was  a  forerunner  of  ill-luck. 
Bill  was  scared,  of  course,  and  the  affair  formed  the  theme  of  conversation 
among  their  circle  of  acquaintances  for  several  days.  Soon  after,  the  cat 
was  let  out  of  the  bag,  and  Bill  gave  some  good  tests  of  his  powers,  which 
carried  conviction  with  them.  Joe  treated  all  hands  to  birch  beer,  and  the 
talking  codfish  was  no  longer  a  mystery. 


What  the  Old  Blubber  Man  Said. — "It  may 
smell  a  little  fishy,  but  you  soon  get  used  to  it,"  said 
an  old  man  who  was  trying  out  blubber  on  one  of  our 
wharves  to  a  young  dandy-looking  chap,  who  thought 
the  effluvia  was  "perfwectly  horwid."  "And  then," 
continued  the  old  man,  "it  brings  in  the  crispy  green- 
backs, you  know,  and  your  father  was  one  of  the  best 
blubber  b'ilers  I  ever  knew."  The  young  man  fidget- 
ted  a  little  with  his  kid  gloves  and  cane,  and  then  quick- 
ly passed  up  off  the  wharf.  He  didn't  care  about  hear- 
ing the  old  "blubber  and  ile"  man  give  him  any  further 
reminiscences  of  his  family.  It's  the  case  with  a  good 
many  now-a-days.  They  like  to  spend  the  old  man's 
money,  but  don't  care  to  remember  that  the  old  gent 
ever  went  fishing  or  followed  any  of  the  honest  occupa- 
tions connected  therewith.  A  great  pity  it  is  that  many  of  the  young  men 
of  to-day  are  not  obliged  to  commence  life  as  their  fathers  did.  The  expe- 
rience would  be  the  means  of  making  good  business  men  of  them,  as  they 
would  then  know  the  value  of  money  by  being  obliged  to  work  hard  in  order 
to  obtain  it. 


The  First  Shipment  of  Herring  from  Gloucester  to  Germany. — 
As  Mr.  Addison  G.  Procter,  of  this  city,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Proc- 
ter, Trask  &  Co.,  was  cashing  a  Swedish  draft  in  Boston,  Feb.  15,  1877,  the 
banker  remarked,  "Why  don't  you  ship  herring  to  Germany  as  well  as  to 
Sweden,  as  the  people  of  that  country  are  large  consumers  of  that  fish  ? " 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


239 


One  remark  led  to  another,  and  the  conversation  concluded  by  the  banker's 
giving  him  the  address  of  a  party  in  Hamburg,  arid  becoming  responsible 
for  a  shipment  of  fifty  barrels,  which  were  sent  per  steamer.  They  were 
put  up  with  extra  care  and  handsomely  stenciled,  "Procter,  Trask  &  Co., 
Cape  Ann  Herring,"  on  the  barrel  head.  While  the  herring  were  lying  in 
New  York,  a  German  merchant  saw  them  and  obtained  permission  to  open 
one  of  the  barrels.  He  was  so  well  pleased  with  the  fish  that  he  immedi- 
ately telegraphed  on  for  the  price  of  200  barrels  of  the  same  kind.  The 
price  was  given  and  the  order  at  once  received.  They  were  immediately 
packed  and  went  on  the  steamer.  Procter,  Trask  &  Co.  therefore  have  the 
honor  of  shipping  the  first  lot  of  herring  from  Gloucester  to  Germany. 


The  Worth  of  Oysters  and  Fish 
for  Food. — The  researches  of  Prof. 
W.  O.  Atwater  of  Wesleyan  University 
of  Middletown,  Conn.,  in  getting  at 
the  facts  of  the  worth  of  fish  and  oys- 
ters as  food  are  worthy  of  the  attention 
bestowed  upon  it.  Exceedingly  inter- 
esting have  been  the  determinations 
of  the  nutritive  values  of  some  of  the 
invertebrates,  as  oysters,  scallops,  lob- 
sters and  crayfish,  which  are  to  be  found  in  these  investigations.  It  is  well 
known  that  in  the  mollusks  water  forms  the  largest  proportion.  So  in 
Stony  Creek  oysters  we  find  90.47  of  water  ;  in  Blue  Points,  80.76  ;  in  Nor- 
folks,  91.45  ;  in  scallops,  80.32  ;  in  clams,  86.20  ;  in  lobsters,  82.73,  an<^  m 
crayfish,  81.22.  The  fat  in  oysters  finds  its  maximum  in  2  per  cent.,  though 
about  1.25  is  a  fair  average.  In  the  albuminoids  they  are  fairly  rich,  the 
Blue  Points  having  8.20,  but  the  scallop,  the  muscular  part,  of  course,  only 
being  considered,  has  as  much  as  14.75  Per  cent-  *n  lobsters  the  fat  is 
1.97,  the  albuminoids  13.57,  and  the  nutritive  value  is  62,  about  the  same 
as  flounder.  These  considerations  about  the  nutritive  values  of  oysters 
only  regard  the  edible  portions,  but  Prof.  Atwater  has  studied  the  relations 
of  shell  to  meat,  and  we  find  that  in  100  pounds  of  Norfolk  oysters,  shell 
and  all,  there  is  really  only  one  pound  of  nutritive  material.  The  highest  in 
the  list  is  the  Blue  Point,  which  for  every  100  pounds  of  weight  of  shell 
holds  3^  per  cent,  of  meat.  But  when  Long  Island  clams  are  examined, 
there  is  an  increase  in  nutrients,  for  in  the  100  pounds  of  shell  and  all  there 
is  7.77,  and  in  lobsters  6.80.  In  general,  Prof.  Atwater's  tables  seem  to 
show  that  the  Northern  oysters  are  the  richer  and  the  Southern  the  poorer 
in  nutritive  elements.  When  relative  nutritive  values  are  studied,  the  worth 
of  fish  food  will  be  thoroughly  appreciated. 


240  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Capture  of  a  Trunk  Turtle. — Sch.  Herman  JBabson,  Capt.  Williams, 
captured  a  rare  reptile  for  these  parts  in  the  shape  of  a  trunk  turtle,  Oct.  3, 
1877,  ten  miles  off  Cape  Elizabeth.  In  getting  it  on  board  the  vessel  it 
was  injured  so  badly  that  it  survived  but  two  days,  having  bled  to  death 
from  one  of  its  flippers.  It  measured  seven  feet  across  the  back  and  was 
six  feet  in  length,  and  its  estimated  weight  was  six  hundred  pounds.  It 
differs  from  other  species  of  turtle  in  having  the  carapace  overlaid  by  a 
leathery  skin  instead  or  horny  plates,  and  this  skin  is  easily  punctured  by  a 
sharp  instrument.  The  head  is  large,  narrowed  in  front  of  the  eyes,  with 
small  circular  nostrils  and  large  eyes,  with  lids  opening  nearly  vertically ; 
jaws  apparently  very  strong  and  sharp  edged ;  neck  short  and  thick,  and 
the  anterior  limbs  are  twice  as  large  as  the  hind  ones.  It  was  a  great  curi- 
osity in  this  section,  and  hundreds  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity  of 
seeing  it.  Its  flesh  is  said  to  be  of  no  value.  It  is  found  on  both  sides  of 
the  Atlantic,  especially  in  the  tropics,  coming  north  as  far  as  Massachusetts 
Bay. 

"Right  arter  Robert." — Years  ago  there  were  two  brothers  following 
fishing  from  this  port,  both  of  whom  were  skippers,  owning  crafts  of  their 
own.  Robert  was  the  elder,  and  William  used  to  follow  in  his  wake  as  near 
as  he  could,  when  on  his  fishing  trips.  One  day  they  both  started  out  to- 
gether, William  following  and  Robert  taking  the  lead,  as  usual.  When  Wil- 
liam went  down  to  supper,  the  man  at  the  helm  asked  him  how  he  should 
steer.  "Right  arter  Rober,"  was  the  reply.  It  so  happened  that  William's 
vessel  was  a  little  faster  than  Robert's,  in  a  light  breeze,  and  the  wind  mod- 
erating suddenly  and  the  helmsman  not  being  first-class  at  the  business,  let 
her  get  too  near,  and  ere  he  could  avoid  it  the  vessels  collided.  The  shock 
brought  skipper  William  on  deck,  who  sang  out,  as  he  came  up  the  compan- 
ion-way, "  How  are  you  steering  ? "  "  Right  arter  Robert,  sir,  just  as  you 
told  me  to,"  was  the  reply.  Fortunately  there  was  but  little  damage  done, 
but  "Right  arter  Robert"  served  as  a  by-word  on  board  the  crafts  during 
the  entire  season. 

The  Norwegian  Flounder  has  been  added  to  the  list  of  edible  fishes 
taken  off  our  coast.  Quite  large  quantities  were  secured  on  the  dredging 
expeditions  of  the  steamer  Speedwell,  about  one  hundred  pounds  being  taken 
at  one  dredging  in  1878.  Through  the  courtesy  of  Prof.  Baird  a  liberal 
supply  was  sent  to  Taft's  at  Point  Shirley,  and  Parker's,  Boston,  where  they 
were  served  up  and  pronounced  excellent  eating.  These  deep-sea  flounders 
are  some  fifteen  or  eighteen  inches  long,  resembling  a  small  chicken  halibut 
in  form,  and  of  a  dull  white  color  underneath  and  a  light  slate-colored  back, 
with  some  peculiar  markings  about  the  head.     Their  presence  in  our  waters 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  241 

was  unsuspected  until  brought  to  light  by  the  investigations  of  the  Fish 
Commission. 

How  the  News  of  His  Wife's  Death  Was  Told  Him. — One  of  our 
fishermen  sailed  on  a  mackereling  trip,  leaving  his  wife  in  her  usual  health, 
with  no  thought  that  the  messenger  of  death  was  hovering  so  near.  After 
a  few  days  the  wife  died,  and  telegrams  were  sent  to  the  husband  along  the 
coast,  to  such  ports  as  it  was  likely  the  vessel  might  put  in.  But  he  never 
received  them,  and  the  vessel  came  home  in  about  four  weeks'  time,  arriv- 
ing at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  skipper  and  crew  came  ashore,  and 
on  reaching  the  wharf  the  watchman  asked  the  name  of  their  vessel,  and 
upon  being  informed  took  the  skipper  one  side  and  told  him  the  sad  news 
and  asked  him  to  break  it  to  the  husband,  as  he  had  not  the  heart  to.  The 
skipper's  heart  failed  him  also,  as  he  walked  alongside  the  man  up  the 
wharf,  into  the  familiar  streets.  Their  houses  lay  in  the  same  direction,  the 
skipper's  being  the  farthest  off.  Finally  they  reached  the  man's  home,  and 
as  he  stooped  down  to  pick  up  a  little  stone  to  throw  against  the  window 
of  the  chamber,  to  awaken  his  wife,  as  was  his  custom  when  arriving  in  the 
night,  the  skipper  could  no  longer  hesitate,  but  calling  him  by  name,  said : 
"Your  wife  will  never  awaken  on  earth  again,  as  she  died  three  days  after 

you  left  home,  and  this  was  what  Mr. told  me  when  he  took  me  one  side 

on  the  wharf ;  but  I  couldn't  find  heart  to  tell  you  before."  The  terrible 
news  almost  paralyzed  the  poor  fellow,  and  he  could  not  realize  that  the 
wife  whom  he  had  left  and  whom  he  had  hoped  so  soon  to  meet  again,  was 
gone  from  his  sight  forever.  The  family  were  soon  awakened,  and  he  was 
made  acquainted  with  the  full  details  of  the  event  which  cast  a  shadow  over 
his  life  which  time  will  never  fully  efface. 

Off  for  Georges. — The  regular  February  appearance  of  large  schools 
of  codfish  on  Georges  Bank,  which  are  used  by  the  fish  for  their  spawning 
grounds,  insures  a  large  catch  for  the  early  fleet,  and  the  temptation  of  big 
trips,  and  the  consequent  realization  of  good  returns,  cannot  be  resisted  by 
men  who  have  been  lying  idle  and  whose  funds  have  run  low,  or  to  express 
it  as  they  do,  more  emphatically,  "We  haven't  a  shot  in  the  locker;  the  fish 
are  there  and  we're  just  going  for  'em  ! "  And  who  can  blame  them  ?  It 
is  their  business.  They  know  its  excitements  and  its  dangers.  Old  ocean 
has  been  their  cradle  for  many  a  year.  They  have  been  rocked  to  sleep  by 
it  in  its  calmer  moods,  as  well  as  when  in  anger  it  has  tossed  their  little 
crafts  up  and  down  on  the  billows,  and  the  stormy  blast  has  shrieked  through 
the  rigging,  'mid  the  gale.  Georges  may  be  their  grave ;  but  this  thought 
does  not  deter  them  from  going.  And  no  wonder  they  are  anxious  to  start 
when  they  remember  the  big  trips  they  have  shared  in  ;  quickly  earned,  too. 


242  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

An  India  Rubber  Stomach. — The  Chiasmodes  Niger,  brought  in  by  sch. 
Bessie  W.  Somes,  July  30,  1880,  proved  a  rare  specimen  indeed,  since  it  is  a 
fish  that  can  swallow  fishes  twice  as  large  and  four  times  as  heavy  as  itself. 
This  it  can  do  because  its  mouth  is  very  deeply  cleft,  its  teeth  bent,  and  its 
stomach  elastic  like  india  rubber.  This  is  the  third  specimen  known  to 
science,  the  first  having  been  found  off  the  island  of  Madeira,  and  the  sec- 
ond in  the  Dominican  Sea.  The  specimen  brought  in  by  the  Somes  was 
ten  inches  long,  and  had  in  its  stomach  a  codfish  eighteen  inches  in  length. 

Eccentricities  of  the  Swordfish. — The  swordfish  is  found  here  and 
there  from  Spring  to  Fall  in  the  ocean  on  our  coast,  lying  "asleep,"  the 
fishermen  call  it,  on  the  very  surface  of  the  water.  Nobody  on  the  Ameri- 
ican  coast,  so  far  as  reported,  ever  saw  a  little  swordfish.  The  smallest 
recorded  by  a  correspondent  of  the  "Forest  and  Stream"  weighed  forty-six 
pounds.  Their  only  known  breeding  ground  is  in  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 
There  the  same  fish  is  found  weighing  half  a  pound ;  from  that  they  go  up 
to  very  heavy  measurement.  It  is  naturally  inferred  from  this  that  all  our 
swordfish  are  Mediterranean  products.  What  mysterious  ocean  current 
guides  them  over  here  ?  Or  is  it  instinct  that  teaches  them  that  here  they 
will  find  the  mackerel  and  the  menhaden  that  they  feed  on  ?  One  can  al- 
most imagine  that  the  game  of  flight  and  pursuit  kept  up  by  these  two  spe- 
cies starts  at  Gibralter  and  is  run  to  Block  Island  every  year.  The  sword- 
fish  darts  upon  a  school  of  its  prey  and  by  skilful  use  of  its  sword  wounds 
those  that  it  afterwards  captures  and  eats.  Until  within  a  few  years  nobody 
ever  thought  of  catching  it  except  by  harpoons.  Recently,  however,  it  has 
taken  the  bait  of  the  trawls  of  our  cod  fishermen,  and  many  swordfish  have 
been  caught  in  that  novel  way.  What  they  come  up  and  "sleep "'for  is  one 
of  the  puzzles  of  their  nature.  They  come  and  go  as  the  mackerel  and 
menhaden  do,  and  from  that  it  is  naturally  concluded  that  they  spend  their 
time  chasing  these  small  fish.  What  with  sharks,  swordfish,  porpoises,  blue- 
fish,  sea-gulls,  eagles  and  seines,  and  all  the  rest  after  them,  the  fish  of  the 
herring  tribe  have  led  such  lives  of  fright  and  terror  that  it  is  no  longer  a 
wonder  that  the  movements  of  any  school  of  them  seem  guided  by  an  inher- 
ent idiocy.  It  is  even  less  strange  that  they  are  all  the  while  victims  than 
that,  being  caught  by  millions  yearly,  they  should  steadily  increase. 

Why  the  Red  Sea  Is  Red. — Geographers  were  not  able  to  determine 
why  the  Red  Sea  was  so  named  until  Ehrenberg,  sailing  over  a  part  of  it, 
observed  that  the  water  of  the  whole  Gulf  of  Tor  was  colored  a  blood  red. 
Drawing  up  some  of  the  water,  and  examining  it  with  a  microscope,  he 
found  that  the  color  was  due  to  a  minute,  thread-like  oscillatoria  or  alga. 
The  same  alga  was  observed  by  Dupont  twenty  years  afterwards,  giving  rise 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  243 

to  the  same  appearance  even  on  extent  of  556  nautical  miles.  A  similar 
plant  was  noticed  by  Darwin,  in  his  voyage  around  the  world,  covering  the 
water  near  Abrolhos  Island,  off  the  coast  of  Brazil.  Oersted,  in  1845,  no~ 
ticed  that  the  water  near  Maderia  had  a  peculiar  obscurity,  which  was  occa- 
sioned by  numerous  minute  tufts  of  oscillatoria  waving  in  the  mass.  These 
plants  are  found  all  the  way  to  the  West  Indies,  sometimes  thick  enough  to 
give  a  color  to  the  water,  but  never  wholly  wanting.  In  other  cases  the  sea 
is  colored  red  by  animals,  of  different  kinds,  by  minute  crustaceans  or  infu- 
soria?, or  eggs.  The  name  red  or  vermilion  sea  has  been  given  to  two  dif- 
ferent microscopic  infusoriae.  One  of  the  coloring  animals  is  irritating  to 
the  skin,  and  produces  blisters  and  sores  on  the  bodies  of  those  who  come 
in  contact  with  it. 

ubstitute  for  Cod  Liver  Oil. — It  is  claimed  by  a 
writer  in  "Nature"  that  the  oil  of  the  "oolachen  "  or 
"ulikou,"  the  candlefish  of  Alaska,  possesses  all  the 
medicinal  qualities  of  cod  liver  oil.  This  fish  has  long 
been  an  ichthyological  curiosity,  and  has  been  noticed 
by  almost  every  traveler  who  has  visited  the  coasts  of 
British  Columbia  and  Southern  Alaska.  It  is  a  small 
silvery  fish,  averaging  about  fourteen  inches  long,  in 
general  appearance  much  resembling  a  smelt.  It  is 
the  fattest  of  all  known  fish,  affording  a  very  superior  oil  when  tried  out. 
Dried,  the  fish  serve  as  torches.  When  a  light  is  needed  the  tail  is  touched 
to  the  fire,  and  they  will  burn  with  a  bright  light  for  some  time.  No  de- 
scription can  give  an  adequate  idea  of  their  numbers  when  ascending  the 
rivers  from  the  sea.  The  water  is  literally  alive  with  them  and  appears  to 
be  boiling.  These  fisheries  appear  not  to  have  been  hitherto  utilized  except 
by  the  natives,  who  esteem  the  ulikon  as  a  great  delicacy.  The  oil  at  pres- 
ent is  said  to  be  gaining  a  high  reputation  in  this  country  and  has  recently 
been  introduced  into  England,  where  it  will  probably  take  a  prominent  place 
as  an  important  medicine. 

Habits  of  Eels. — The  habits  of  the  eel  are  very  different  from  those  of 
any  other  fish,  and  are  as  yet  but  little  understood.  "  This,  so  far  as  we 
know,"  writes  Prof.  Baird,  "  is  the  only  fish  the  young  of  which  ascend  from 
the  sea  to  attain  maturity,  instead  of  descending  from  the  fresh  to  the  salt 
water.  Its  natural  history  has  been  a  matter  of  considerable  inquiry  within 
a  few  years,  although  even  now  we  are  far  from  having  that  information 
concerning  it  that  would  be  desirable,  in  view  of  its  enormous  abundance 
and  its  great  value  as  a  food  fish.  The  eggs  of  the  eel  are  for  the  most 
part  laid  in  the  sea,  and  in  early  Spring,  the  period  varying  with  the  latitude, 
the  young  fish  may  be  seen  ascending  the  river  in  vast  numbers,  and  when 


244  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

arrested  by  an  apparently  impassable  barrier,  natural  or  artificial,  they  will 
leave  the  water  and  make  their  way  above  the  obstruction,  in  endeavoring 
to  reach  the  point  at  which  they  aim.  Here  they  bury  themselves  in  the 
mud  and  feed  on  any  kind  of  animal  substance,  the  spawn  of  fish,  the  roes 
of  shad,  small  fish,  etc.  At  the  end  of  their  sojourn  in  the  ponds  or  streams 
they  return  to  the  sea,  and  are  then  captured  in  immense  numbers  in  many 
rivers  in  what  are  called  fish-baskets.  A  V-shaped  fence  is  made,  with  the 
opening  down  stream  into  the  basket,  into  which  the  eels  fall,  and  from 
which  they  cannot  easily  escape.  This  same  device,  it  may  be  incidentally 
stated,  captures  also  great  numbers  of  other  fish,  such  as  shad,  salmon,  and 
other  anadromous  fish,  to  their  grievous  destruction.  As  might  be  expected, 
however,  the  Falls  of  Niagara  constitute  an  impassable  barrier  to  their  as- 
cent. The  fish  is  very  abundant  in  Lake  Ontario,  and  until  artificially  intro- 
duced was  unknown  in  Lake  Erie.  At  the  present  time,  in  the  Spring  and 
Summer,  the  visitor  who  enters  under  the  sheet  of  water  at  the  foot  of  the 
falls  will  be  astonished  at  the  enormous  number  of  young  eels  crawling  over 
the  slippery  rocks  and  squirming  in  the  seething  whirlpools.  An  estimate 
of  hundreds  of  wagon-loads,  as  seen  in  the  course  of  the  perilous  journey 
referred  to,  would  hardly  be  considered  excessive  by  those  who  have  visited 
the  spot  at  a  suitable  season  of  the  year." 

The  Men  Who  Man  the  Fishing  Fleets. — From  carefully  prepared 
statistics  we  learn  that  the  number  of  men  engaged  on  board  the  Gloucester 
fishing  fleets  the  past  year  (1881)  was  4,142,  divided  as  follows :  Georges  fleet, 
1,460;  Western  Bank,  284 ;  Grand  Bank,  360  ;  fresh  halibut,  330  ;  mackerel- 
ing,  1,120;  shore  fishing,  430;  dory  fishing,  125;  trap  fishing,  24.  This 
does  not  include  the  crews  of  vessels  from  other  ports  who  fit  from  here. 

The  Alaska  Codfish. — Dr.  Tarleton  H.  Bean,  who  was  on  the  U.  S. 
Fish  Commission  Corps  in  this  city  in  1878,  and  who  was  sent  to  Alaska  by 
Prof.  Baird  in  the  Summer  of  1880,  to  investigate  the  codfishery  of  that 
country,  reports  that  the  Alaska  cod  is  the  same  as  that  of  New  England 
and  Europe,  the  Gadus  morrhua,  with  the  same  occasional  variations.  He 
says  that  Golden  cod,  red  cod  and  other  algae  forms  are  as  well  known  at 
the  Shumagin  Islands  as  they  are  around  Cape  Cod  and  Cape  Ann ;  the 
beautiful  lemon-yellow  fish,  which  occasionally  are  found  in  Ipswich  Bay 
schools,  are  duplicated  in  Alaskan  waters.  The  habits  and  food  of  the  cod 
are  similar  to  those  on  our  coast.  The  shore  fish  about  Kodiak  make  their 
appearance  in  schools  similar  to  ours — first  the  "herring  school,"  next  the 
"lant  school,"  then  the  "capelin  school,"  followed  by  the  "squid  school," 
and  the  "winter  school."  Besides  these  there  is  an  abundance  of  bank  fish, 
which  are  always  larger  than  those  previously  named.     The  cod  come  on 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  245 

the  rocks  in  twenty-five  to  thirty  fathoms  about  Kodiak  to  spawn  in  Novem- 
ber and  December,  just  as  they  do  in  the  East,  and  these  spawning  fish  will 
at  times  be  perfectly  still  on  the  bottom  and  refuse  to  take  the  hook.  Young 
cod  swarm  near  the  shores,  just  as  they  were  observed  to  do  in  Gloucester 
Harbor  after  the  experiments  of  the  U.  S.  Fish  Commission  with  artificial 
propagation.  The  Pacific  waters  have  also  a  genuine  pollock,  weaker  than 
its  Eastern  relative,  and  halibut  also  abound,  but  the  cusk  and  haddock 
have  not  yet  been  found  in  Alaskan  waters. 

What  One  Fishing  District  Does  for 
the  Farmer  and  Planter. — To  one  who  has 
given  the  subject  no  thought,  the  extent  to 
which  the  fishing  industry  is  a  patron  of  agri- 
culture is  a  matter  of  surprise.  The  jealousy 
with  which  the  people  of  the  West  and  South 
have  regarded  the  protection  extended  by  the 
government  in  times  past  to  the  fisheries,  and 
which  it  now  inadequately  provides  in  certain  concessions  in  regard  to  the 
duty  on  salt,  has  been  ill-judged  and  unreasonable,  since  equal  protection 
has  been  afforded  to  other  producing  interests,  and  the  fishing  business  is 
an  important  customer  for  the  products  of  the  plantation  and  field.  A  care- 
ful investigation  shows  that  the  fishing  fleet  of  Gloucester  consumes  annu- 
ally the  following  products  of  the  farmer  and  planter : 

Cotton,  in  fishing  lines,  seines  and  nets,  530,000  lbs.;  in  sails  (yearly  wear), 
225,000  lbs.;  rice,  24,300  lbs.;  butter,  198,450  lbs.;  lard,  182,250  lbs.;  dried 
apples,  61,560  lbs.;  mustard,  1,215  lbs.;  saSe>  IIQ  lbs.;  squashes,  26,550 
lbs.;  fresh  meat,  126,765  lbs.;  flour,  7,985  bbls.;  beef,  4,455  bbls.;  pork 
shoulders,  1,721  bbls.;  pork,  1,215  bbls.;  beans,  1,822  bush.;  peas,  810  bush.; 
potatoes,  33,615  bush.;  onions,  2,430  bush.;  beets,  1,215  bush.;  turnips, 
1,620  bush.;  meal,  1,280  bush.;  cabbages,  4,560  doz.;  vinegar,  1,620  gals.; 
pepper  sauce,  1,315  bottles;  milk,  38,400  cans. 

To  the  above  add  the  amount  consumed  by  those  employed  in  the  fishing 
business  ashore,  together  with  the  necessary  provisions  for  their  families  and 
the  families  of  those  at  sea,  and  it  makes  the  fishing  business  one  of  great 
pecuniary  interest  to  the  planter,  farmer  and  stock-raiser. 

The  Highest  Price  ever  received  for  mackerel  was  in  1879,  when  sch. 
Crest  of  the  Wave,  Capt.  David  Melanson,  took  80  bbls.  off  Thacher's  Isl- 
and, of  which  25  bbls.  were  the  largest  and  fattest  ever  brought  to  this 
port,  eighty  mackerel  filling  a  barrel,  and  selling  for  $40.  Sch.  Mary  Ode/l, 
Capt.  McClain,  took  20  bbls.  of  the  same  quality,  which  were  sold  in  Bos- 
ton, also  for  $40  per  bbl. 


246  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Veteran  Fishermen. — Mr.  George  Merchant,  74  years  of  age,  was  en- 
gaged in  the  mackerel  fishery  from  May  4  to  Sept.  1,  1881,  and  helped  to 
take  care  of  a  catch  of  1,200  barrels  of  mackerel ;  he  has  been  engaged  in 
fishing  some  part  of  the  season  ever  since  he  was  ten  years  of  age. 

Mr.  George  Gerring  of  East  Gloucester,  72  years  of  age,  was  engaged  in 
the  Georges  fishery  in  the  Spring  of  1881  on  board  sch.  Light  Wing,  and 
caught  an  average  share ;  he  commenced  fishing  when  thirteen  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Charles  A.  Furgerson  of  Robinstown,  Me.,  50  years  of  age,  has  fol- 
lowed fishing  from  this  port  for  thirty-four  years,  and  for  twenty-one  years 
was  on  Georges  every  season  regularly.  His  first  trip  was  in  sch.  Cherokee. 
Mr.  Furgerson  was  one  of  the  original  subscribers  to  "Procters'  Able 
Sheet."  When  he  was  in  the  Pioneer  he  hauled  one  pair  of  halibut  weigh- 
ing 300  pounds,  which  sold  for  $42.62.  He  is  now  on  board  the  Charles 
H.  Hildreth.  He  states  that  he  never  saw  good  luck  on  board  a  vessel 
when  a  land  bird  flies  on  board. 

The  New  England  Codfish  Catch  for  188 1. — The  New  England  catch 
of  cod  and  other  ground  fish  is  reported  at  775,627  qtls.,  against  647,426 
qtls.  the  previous  year.  The  Massachusetts  catch  alone  was  548,640  qtls., 
Gloucester  taking  the  lead  with  431,800  qtls.  (nearly  55^  per  cent,  of  the 
New  England  catch,  and  nearly  77  per  cent,  of  the  Massachusetts  catch), 
and  Provincetown  coming  next  with  86,317  qtls.  The  Portland  catch  was 
78,000  qtls.,  Eastport,  28,000,  Boothbay,  19,071,  Vinalhaven,  14,175,  Bev- 
erly, 10,400,  and  no  other  New  England  port  exceeded  10,000  qtls. 

Catching  Cod  around  Newfoundland. — There  are  two  ways  in  which 
the  people  around  the  Newfoundland  coast  and  on  that  of  Labrador  engage 
in  catching  cod.  Fish  are  caught  in  boats  about  the  size  of  small  schoon- 
ers, decked  in  and  provided  with  comfortable  "  cuddies,"  which  is  where  the 
fishermen  cook,  eat  and  sleep,  or  rest  after  the  immediate  toil  is  ended ; 
and  they  are  caught  in  little  open  boats  or  skiffs,  having  two  masts  and 
sometimes  a  saucy  little  jib-boom,  and  these  little  boats  they  sail  when  there 
is  wind,  and  row  when  it  is  calm.  The  large  boats  sometimes  go  a  hundred 
miles  from  home  around  the  coast  to  fish,  and  the  fishermen  live  in  them 
through  the  Summer,  but  the  small  boats  go  only  a  few  miles  from  home, 
seldom  stay  out  all  night,  but  getting  their  loads,  return  to  land.  The  for- 
mer belong  to  the  towns  and  harbors,  or  large  villages ;  the  latter  to  the 
coves,  we  might  say  the  crevices,  around  the  coast.  About  the  first  of  June 
the  fishery  commences,  and  in  the  first  gray  of  the  morning  flocks  of  little" 
boats  with  barked  sails  may  be  seen  putting  out  from  the  rocks.  At  this 
time  of  the  year  the  cod  is  usually  hungry,  for  it  has  just  come  in  from  the 
banks  of  Newfoundland,  meeting  perhaps  but  few  fish  to  prey  on  on  its  way. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  247 

When  it  reaches  the  coast  it  finds  the  herring  there  before  it,  and  has  a 
feast  for  its  late  fast.  It  is  with  the  herring  that  the  fisherman  now  catches 
the  cod,  for  the  caplin  has  not  come,  and  it  is  too  early  for  seines  or  nets, 
and  fish  being  hungry,  the  hook  and  line  and  "bull-tow"  train  are  in  de- 
mand. The  boat  is  a  quarter  of  a  mile  out  from  the  rocks,  and  on  the 
Atlantic  waters.  There  are  two  men  in  the  boat,  and  having  reached  the 
spot  where  they  intend  to  "try,"  they  take  down  their  sails  and  both  stand 
up,  one  in  the  fore  part  of  the  boat,  the  other  aft.  Each  has  a  pair  of  lines, 
and  to  each  line  a  hook  is  set  in  a  piece  of  lead,  made  in  the  shape  of  a  fish, 
to  make  it  sink.  Each  line  is  fastened  to  the  boat.  A  sheath-knife  is  in 
the  fisherman's  belt,  and  with  this  he  cuts  his  herring  into  bait  sizes,  puts  a 
piece  on  the  hook,  which  he  throws  to  his  right  a  distance  of  about  twenty 
feet.  He  does  the  same  with  the  line  on  his  left,  and  his  companion  in  the 
other  end  of  the  boat  does  the  same  thing.  Thus  each  man  has  two  lines 
out;  he  stands  erect  and  "saws"  his  lines  till  he  gets  a  bite — the  sawing 
being  a  sudden  long  jerk,  now  to  the  right  line,  and  now  to  the  left,  in  reg- 
ular time.  He  starts.  There  is  a  sudden  tug,  and  a  thrill  of  life  comes  up 
the  line  to  his  hand.     He  lets  go  the  other  and  hauls  away,  and  the  greater 


the  weight  the  more  gleefully  does  he  haul,  till  the  cod  "breaks  water," 
when,  seizing  a  gaff — a  contrivance  with  a  wooden  handle  two  feet  long,  to 
which  is  affixed  a  large  iron  hook — he  sticks  it  into  the  body  of  the  fish  and 
jerks  it  in  over  the  gunwale.  While  the  hook  seized  by  the  fish  serves  to 
draw  the  fish  to  the  surface,  it  would  not  be  sufficient  to  lift  it  from  the  sur- 
face to  the  boat.  The  process  of  unhooking  the  fish  to  the  novice  is  not 
an  easy  one,  but  to  the  expert  it  is  not  a  matter  of  two  seconds.  Some- 
times a  "spurt"  comes  on,  which  means  that  a  school  of  hungry  fish  is  pass- 
ing under  the  boat,  and  then  the  rapidity  with  which  two  practiced  fishermen 
can  haul  in,  unhook,  bait,  throw  out  and  haul  in  again  is  certainly  marvelous. 

An  Important  Discovery. — Mr.  Robert  E.  Earle,  who  for  some  months 
was  connected  with  the  artificial  propagation  of  deep  sea  fish  experiments 
in  this  city,  is  credited  with  the  discovery  of  the  important  fact  that  Spanish 
mackerel  are  vastly  more  productive  than  cod  or  shad,  and  that  they  can  be 
artificially  hatched  in  much  less  time.  Mr.  Earle  learned  from  the  Chesa- 
peake fishermen  that  large  numbers  of  these  fish  annually  frequented  the 


248  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

waters  of  that  bay,  and  on  reporting  that  fact  to  Prof.  Baird,  was  detailed 
to  make  experiments  for  their  reproduction.  On  getting  to  work,  he  was 
surprised  to  find  that  the  fish  were  hatched  within  eighteen  hours  from  the 
time  the  milk  and  spawn  were  brought  together,  whereas  it  requires  five 
days  to  hatch  shad  and  eight  to  twelve  days  to  hatch  codfish.  The  number 
of  eggs  operated  upon  at  a  single  time  is  between  200,000  and  300,000, 
while  only  20,000  to  30,000  shad  eggs  are  treated  at  once.  The  season  for 
operations  with  the  spawn  of  this  fish  is  toward  the  last  of  June  and  first  of 
July,  after  the  shad  hatching  is  over  and  before  that  of  codfish  commences. 

The  First  Wholesale  Fish  Store  in  Boston  was  established  on  Long 
Wharf  by  Mr.  Ebenezer  Nickerson  in  1807.  The  first  wholesale  fresh  fish 
store  in  Boston  was  opened  on  Long  Wharf  in  1835  by  Messrs.  Holbrook, 
Smith  &  Co.  The  mackerel  purse  seine  dates  from  1855.  The  canning  of 
fish  dates  from  1845,  m  Maine.  Vessels  first  began  to  carry  ice  to  sea  in 
1845,  and  dealers  began  to  use  it  in  shipping  fish  the  same  year;  20,000,000 
lbs.  are  now  annually  consumed  by  vessels  and  fish  dealers.  Nets  were 
home-made  until  1842,  when  the  first  net  factory  was  established  in  Boston ; 
they  were  hand-made  until  1865,  when  machinery  was  introduced  in  their 
manufacture.  The  earliest  importations  of  mackerel  were  seven  barrels  in 
182 1. — From  Records  of  Boston  Fish  Bureau. 

The  Best  Halibut  Fare  received  at  this  port  for  several  years  was  land- 
ed March  22,  1882,  by  sch.  Grace  L.  Fears,  Capt.  Nathaniel  Greenleaf. 
Her  fare  was  taken  by  the  New  England  and  Atlantic  Halibut  Companies, 
and  she  weighed  off  98,825  lbs.  halibut  and  3,000  lbs.  codfish,  101,825  l°s- 
in  all,  stocking  $6086.50.  Her  crew  shared  $206.30.  The  cook's  share  was 
$253.05.  She  was  gone  five  weeks  and  one  day,  during  which  time  she  was 
frozen  up  for  eight  days  at  Canso.  This  is  the  largest  stock  ever  made  on 
a  halibut  trip,  although  larger  fares  have  been  received  several  years  ago. 

The  Codfish — Its  Value  as  Food — How  the  Grand  Bank  Was  Formed. — 
What  a  marvelous  influence  upon  civilization  and  human  progress  the  hum- 
ble but  nutritious  codfish  has  had.  He  has  been  a  mine  of  wealth  to  a  vast 
population.  It  seems  as  though  good  Mother  Nature,  foreseeing  the  needs 
of  humanity,  had  made  special  preparations  for  a  good  supply  of  this  very 
necessary  article  of  food  for  body  and  brain.  She  floated  her  icebergs, 
which  were  filled  with  the  sandy  bottom  of  northern  seas,  down  to  the  Gulf 
Stream,  where  they  melted  and,  depositing  their  debris,  formed  the  Grand 
Bank  of  Newfoundland.  It  was  the  work,  the  slow  and  toilsome  work,  of 
ages.  Every  Spring  thousands  of  these  bergs,  one-third  above  water  and 
two-thirds  below,  the  upper  part  clear,  sparkling  and  translucent,  reflecting 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  249 

the  sunshine  and  giving  it  back  to  the  enraptured  eye  with  that  prodigality 
and  brilliancy  of  coloring  which  only  nature  can  afford,  the  lower  part  mixed 
with  the  coast  bottom  of  Greenland  or  Labrador  to  the  extent  of  thousands 
of  cart-loads,  came  floating  down  majestically  through  Davis'  Strait,  and 
meeting  the  warm  air  and  warm  water  of  the  Gulf  Stream,  melted  and  de- 
posited their  contribution,  until  at  last  those  immense  shoals  were  formed 
where  the  cod  and  haddock  swarm.  And  it  is  said  that  these  sand  banks 
have  huge  depressions,  like  vast  valleys,  which  serve  as  aquaria,  and  that 
when  a  fishing  vessel  is  lucky  enough  to  anchor  over  one  of  them,  it  can  fill 
its  hold  and  deck  with  as  many  as  it  can  carry.  For  generations  the  inhab- 
itants of  Newfoundland,  and  the  venturesome  folk  who  live  all  along  the 
New  England  coast,  get  their  daily  bread,  or  lay  up  a  competency  from  this 
never-failing  source  of  wealth.  What  a  vast  number  of  people  on  the  globe 
get  their  living  out  of  and  subsist  principally  on  the  invaluable  cod,  and 
what  vast  quantities  have  been  landed  by  the  fishing  fleet  of  Gloucester, 
since  her  fishermen  first  engaged  in  the  business. 

The  Iceland  Cod  Fishery. — It  is  not  generally  known  that  next  to 
Newfoundland,  Iceland  is  the  rendezvous  for  the  vessels  engaged  in  cod 
fishing.  Large  numbers  of  French  smacks  choose  the  latter  ground.  Dur- 
ing the  season  of  188 1,  owing  to  the  large  quantity  of  dried  fish  remaining 
unsold  from  the  take  of  the  previous  season,  there  was  a  marked  reduction 
in  the  number  of  fishing  craft,  but  193  having  started  for  Iceland.  The 
Norwegians  engaged  in  the  trade  are  improving  their  fishing  apparatus 
every  year,  and  they  are  extending  their  markets  also.  They  have  estab- 
lished herring  fisheries  all  along  the  Icelandic  coast,  and  not  long  since  a 
large  company  was  formed  for  the  prosecution  of  this  industry  on  a  large 
scale ;  but  the  results  this  season,  we  are  told,  have  been  discouraging  for 
almost  everybody  engaged  in  it.  Time  and  money  have  been  lost  for  want 
of  accurate  information  as  to  the  weather,  and,  with  a  view  to  remedying 
defeat,  telegraphic  communication  between  the  coast  of  Scotland  and  Reik- 
iawick,  the  capital  of  Iceland,  is  now  spoken  of. 

A  Mermaid  Captured. — A  fisherman,  a  resident  of  As- 
pinwall,  is  reported  to  have  recently  captured  a  mermaid. 
There  is  silky  blonde  hair  on  the  head ;  the  features  of  the 
face  are  perfectly  even  to  the  teeth,  the  arms  are  the  same  as  human  beings', 
with  claws  resembling  an  eagle's  talons  in  place  of  finger  nails.  From  the 
waist  up  the  resemblance  to  a  human  being  is  unmistakable,  and  from  the 
waist  down  the  body  is  exactly  the  same  as  an  ordinary  mullet,  with  scales, 
fins  and  tails  perfect. 


250  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Net  Codfishing  has  been  practically  a  failure  the  past  season.  In  the 
Winter  of  1 880-81  the  netting  fleet  in  Ipswich  Bay  took  large  fares,  while 
the  trawlers  met  with  much  poorer  success.  On  a  recent  trip  in  the  same 
waters  the  sch.  Magellan  Cloud,  with  twenty-four  nets  set,  took  only  about 
1,000  pounds  codfish,  while  in  four  days  fishing  there  a  trawler  took  20,000 
pounds. 

Helping  Themselves. — One  of  the  peculiarities  of  the  white  fish  trade 
of  the  lakes  is  the  traffic  between  the  fishermen  and  the  lake  craft  engaged 
in  the  carrying  and  passenger  trade.  These  boats  as  they  pass  up  and 
down  the  lakes  frequently  stop  and  take  up  the  fishermen's  nets  and  help 
themselves  to  what  they  want.  The  fish  taken  are  weighed  and  the  money 
to  pay  for  them  is  attached  to  the  nets,  which  are  again  let  down  to  the  bot- 
tom of  the  lake.  So  it  often  happens  that  the  fishermen  in  lifting  their  nets" 
take  in  considerable  money  as  well  as  fish.  The  lake  captains  are  very 
honorable  in  this  matter,  and  it  has  come  to  be  an  understood  arrangement, 
satisfactory  all  around. 

The  French  Sardine  Fishery. — Not  less  than  30,000  persons  are  en- 
gaged in  the  sardine  fishery  in  France,  and  fully  as  many  find  occupation 
in  "preserving"  this  fish.  A  writer  in  the  Journal  of  the  Society  of  Arts 
says  that  in  taking  the  sardine  the  bait,  which  is  called  roe,  plays  an  im- 
portant part.  This  lure  is  a  kind  of  caviare  made  from  the  eggs  of  the  cod 
preserved  in  brine,  35,000  barrels  of  which  are  imported  from  Norway  every 
year.  When  the  position  of  a  shoal  is  ascertained  the  nets  are  let  down 
and  the  master  of  the  boat  throws  the  bait,  mixed  with  sand  to  cause  it  to 
sink,  into  the  water.  Emerald  green  flashes  on  the  surface  of  the  water 
denote  the  rise  of  some  of  the  fish.  Then  the  bait  is  liberally  cast  out,  and 
soon  the  whole  shoal  rises  into  the  nets.  At  one  time  a  boat  could  take 
20,000  sardines,  but  now  it  is  a  rare  thing  to  bring  in  more  than  from  5,000 
to  6,000  at  a  trip.  When  the  boats  land,  the  sardines  are  taken  to  the  fac- 
tories in  hampers  containing  about  500  apiece.  There  women  cut  off  the 
heads  of  the  fish,  open  and  clean  the  bodies,  and  place  each  fish  one  by 
one  on  stone  or  marble  slabs  previously  strewed  with  salt.  While  this  pre- 
liminary drying  is  going  on,  the  fires  are  lighted  and  the  purest  olive  oil  is 
put  into  immense  caldrons.  When  the  oil  is  boiling,  the  sardines  are  laid 
in  layers  in  iron  wire  baskets  provided  with  handles.  These  baskets  are 
plunged  into  the  oil  and  then  placed  on  shelves  covered  with  zinc  to  drain. 
When  they  are  moderately  dry  they  are  taken  to  the  large  drying  house, 
exposed  to  the  sea  breeze,  and  there  they  remain  until  fit  to  be  stored  and 
put  into  boxes.  The  largest  are  considered  the  finest,  and  the  small  ones 
are  frequently  passed  off  as  anchovies. 


FISHERMEN" S  OWN  BOOK. 


251 


Steam  Whalers. — Steam  vessels  for  whaling  have  proved  highly  profita- 
ble. The  first  one  ever  sent  out  from  the  Pacific  coast  was  the  Mary  &* 
Helen,  which  cleared  in  1881  enough  to  pay  her  entire  cost  and  $40,000  be- 
sides. The  second  venture,  that  of  the  Belvidere,  came  back  from  a  voyage 
of  only  six  months  with  $100,000  worth  of  oil  above  the  investment.  The 
great  success  of  these- steamers  is  likely  to  revive  the  business  of  whaling. 

P.  E.  I.  Fisheries. — The  Prince  Edward  Island  mackerel  catch  for  1881 
was  36,083  bbls.,  about  one-half  the  catch  of  1880.  228,593  pound  cans  of 
lobsters  were  put  up,  double  the  quantity  of  the  previous  year.  The  codfish 
catch  was  16,934  qtls.,  against  28,045  m  1880;  hake,  10,023  qtls.;  halibut, 
4,575  lbs.;  haddock,  72,600  lbs.;  herring,  28,545  bbls.;  alewives,  1,917  bbls.; 
oysters,  20,815  bbls. 


Dangers  of  the  Sea. — The  dif- 
ference between  handling  a  ship 
so  that  she  escapes  a  danger,  and 
in  a  way  to  plunge  her  headlong 
upon  it,  was  doubly  illustrated  on 
a  passage  by  the  Algeria,  which 
runs  between  New  York  and  Liv- 
erpool, England.  On  her  sixth  day  out,  in  February,  1881,  the  Algeria 
found  herself  in  a  heavy  fog  on  the  Banks  of  Newfoundland.  The  ship  was 
feeling  her  way  cautiously  along,  all  eyes  and  ears,  so  to  say,  when  from 
over  the  port  bow  there  sounded  a  fog  bell.  It  seemed  some  distance  off ; 
but  Capt.  Gill,  swift  as  light,  ordered  a  reversal  of  the  engines.  The  screw 
flew  round,  the  great  ship  paused,  slowly  backed,  and  none  too  soon.  In  a 
trice  there  loomed  up  through  the  fog  a  huge  three-masted  schooner  rushing 
forward  under  full  sail.  Had  the  course  of  the  Algeria  been  kept,  had  she 
failed  to  retreat  at  the  moment  she  did,  a  collision  would  have  been  inevi- 
table. The  schooner  flew  on  her  way  straight  across  the  foaming  wake  of 
the  steamship,  and  a  terrible  calamity  that  might  have  cost  hundreds  of  lives 
was  happily  averted.  Very  nearly  the  same  thing  happened  again  on  the 
same  evening,  the  dangerous  craft  that  approached  the  Algeria  in  this  in- 
stance being  another  large  steamer.  This  time  the  stranger  was  not  seen 
through  the  dense  mist,  but  the  voices  of  persons  on  the  decks  were  heard 
with  startling  distinctness,  and  the  case  was  apparently  as  narrow  as  in  the 
case  of  the  schooner.  Eternal  vigilance  is  as  clearly  the  price  of  safety  at 
sea  as  it  is  of  liberty  everywhere.  Undoubtedly  many  of  the  fishing  vessels 
which  disappear  so  mysteriously,  with  no  heavy  gale  to  account  for  their 
loss,  are  run  down  by  steamers  or  other  large  vessels,  while  at  anchor  on 
the  Banks. 


252  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Fishing  in  Lapland. — The  water  is  very  clear  at  Hamerfest,  in  Lapland, 
and  one  may  see  everything  that  goes  on  among  the  fish.  A  few  feet  down 
you  can  see  the  young  cod  snapping  at  your  hook ;  a  little  lower  down  the 
coalfish,  and  the  huge  plaice  and  the  halibut  on  the  white  sand  at  the  bot- 
tom ;  in  other  places  the  starfish,  as  large  as  a  plate,  and  purple  and  green 
shellfish  of  all  sizes.  The  plaice  is  taken  in  the  following  manner :  In 
calm  weather  the  fisherman  takes  a  strong,  fine  cord,  to  which  he  has  fast- 
ened a  heavy  spear-head,  like  a  whale  harpoon.  This  he  holds  ready  over 
the  bow  of  the  boat,  while  another  person  paddles  it  forward  slowly.  When 
the  fish  is  seen  at  the  bottom,  the  boat  is  stopped  and  the  harpoon  is 
suddenly  dropped  upon  him,  and  thus  the  fish  is  caught.  In  two  hours  the 
fishermen  will  get  a  boat  load.  The  halibut  are  caught  with  hooks.  They 
sometimes  weigh  500  pounds,  and  if  drawn  up  carelessly  will  overturn  the 
boat.  In  many  of  the  mountainous  districts  the  rivers  swarm  with  trout, 
the  habit  of  which  is  to  conceal  themselves  beneath  the  bowlder  rocks  in 
the  bed  of  the  stream,  venturing  out  to  feed  only  at  night.  Men,  each  with 
a  heavy  hammer,  will  enter  these  waters  and  strike  one  or  two  blows  on  the 
stones,  when  the  fish  run  from  their  lurking  place,  partly  stunned,  and  are 
easily  caught. 

The  Sea  Cucumber,  one  of  the  curious  jelly  bodies  that  inhabit  the 
ocean,  can  practically  efface  himself  when  in  danger,  by  squeezing  the  water 
out  of  his  body  and  forcing  himself  into  a  narrow  crack — so  narrow  as  not 
to  be  visible  to  the  naked  eye.  He  can  throw  out  nearly  the  whole  of  his 
inside  and  yet  live  and  grow  it  again. 

Swedish  Popular  Beliefs. — The  teeth  of  large  fish  should  be  burnt,  in 
order  to  be  lucky  in  fishing. 

One  ought  to  tell  no  one  when  one  goes  out  to  fish,  and  not  mention 
whether  one  has  caught  many  or  few. 

Nor  should  any  stranger  see  how  many  fish  one  has  taken. 

When  one  rows  out  from  land  to  fish,  one  must  not  run  the  boat  against 
the  sun. 

Pins  found  in  a  church  and  made  into  fish  hooks  catch  the  best. 

If  a  woman  passes  over  the  rod,  no  fish  will  bite. 

Stolen  fishing  tackle  is  lucky,  but  the  person  robbed  loses  his  luck. — 
Thorpe's  Northern  Mythology. 

Salted  Herring. — The  art  of  salting  and  packing  herring  was  discov- 
ered in  the  fourteenth  century  by  Beukels,  of  Biervliet,  in  Flanders,  who, 
after  introducing  it  into  his  own  country,  went  to  Finland  and  established 
it  there,  whence  it  spread  to  all  the  Baltic  provinces.     In  1856,  Alexander 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  253 

II,  Emperor  of  Russia,  in  his  visit  to  Finland,  after  leaving  Helsingfors, 
went  to  the  little  town  of  Borgo,  and  laid  with  great  ceremony  the  first  stone 
of  a  monument  to  the  memory  of  the  fisherman  Beukels,  who  died  in  1397, 
in  his  native  village,  where  his  tomb  was  once  visited  by  the  Emperor 
Charles  V;  and  Peter  the  Great,  in  recognition  of  the  importance  of  his 
discovery,  gave  a  pension  to  one  of  his  descendants. 

A  Valuable  Nautical  Contrivance. — An  extremely  simple  but  inval- 
uable aid  to  navigation  has  recently  been  proposed  by  an  experienced  Brit- 
ish master  mariner,  by  which  he  is  confident  the  largest  steamship  in  an 
ocean  gale  can  be  hove  to  with  safety.  His  contrivance,  as  described  in  the 
London  "Shipping  Gazette,"  is  on  the  drogue  system,  and  the  advantages 
he  has  experienced  from  it  in  emergency  are  "  too  great  to  express."  His 
sea  anchor  or  drogue  is  made  of  stout  canvas  in  the  shape  of  a  bag,  with  a 
strong  wire  hoop  at  the  top,  to  which  the  lanyard  is  fastened — the  latter 
being  shackled  to  a  spar  thirty  feet  long.  The  spar,  fitted  with  three  iron 
bands,  is  kept  square  by  two  wire  guys,  and  fastened  to  a  riding  hawser 
made  of  wire  or  manila.  The  drogue,  when  in  use,  is  about  four  fathoms 
beneath  the  surface  of  the  agitated  sea,  thus  escaping  its  force,  and  when 
full  of  water  proves  a  great  resistance,  keeping  the  ship's  head  to  the  sea 
when  driving  to  leeward  in  a  heavy  gale.  This  simple,  cheap  and  quickly 
improvised  contrivance  would  undoubtedly  be  useful  to  vessels  thrown  on 
their  beam  ends,  or  experiencing  that  ofttimes  fatal  accident — shifting  of  the 
cargo  in  the  presence  of  a  severe  storm.  It  would  also,  in  many  cases,  by 
enabling  a  disabled  steamer  to  avoid  drifting  out  of  her  course,  or  helping 
her  to  keep  out  of  the  central  path  of  an  advancing  cyclone,  prove  a  timely 
safeguard  to  life  and  property  at  sea. 

A  Novel  Experiment  has  been  tried  at  the  port  of  Peterhead  in  Scot- 
land, where  the  waves  of  the  North  Sea  have  an  unchecked  sweep  from  the 
wild  coast  of  Norway,  and  break  so  furiously  at  the  harbor  mouth  that  warn- 
ing signals  are  given  against  attempting  to  enter  the  harbor.  A  wooden 
shed  was  erected  and  iron  and  lead  piping  carried  down  the  beach  a  dis- 
tance of  nearly  one  hundred  yards.  Then  a  strong  gutta-percha  pipe  with 
three  openings  seventy-five  yards  apart  was  laid  across  the  entrance  to  the 
harbor.  A  force  pump  in  the  shed  supplies  this  tubing  with  oil  to  allay  the 
waves.  Recently  the  waves  were  running  twenty  feet  high  at  the  mouth  of 
Peterhead  harbor,  and  the  pump  was  put  at  work.  The  oil  was  forced 
through  the  pipes  and  out  of  the  valves.  It  spread  over  the  bottom,  rose  to 
the  top  of  the  water,  and  in  a  short  time  the  seething  foam  was  gone.  Not 
a  white  cap  remained  within  reach  of  the  calming  fluid.  Although  the  swell 
continued,  the  surface  of  the  sea  was  quite  smooth,  so  that  "  a  small  boat 


254 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


could  have  entered  the  dock  without  the  slightest  danger."    The  ship  mas- 
ters who  witnessed  the  experiment  were  satisfied  with  the  result. 

Why  would  it  not  be  well  for  our  fishermen  on  the  Banks,  or  elsewhere, 
in  some  of  the  terrible  gales,  to  try  this  experiment  ?  It  has  the  same  effect 
when  poured  upon  the  troubled  waters  as  if  pumped  or  otherwise  placed 
thereon. 

A  Remarkable  Spectacle. — The  steamer  Victoria,  at  New  York  from 
Glasgow,  reported  witnessing  a  remarkable  spectacle  on  the  eastern  edge  of 
Grand  Bank,  December  18,  1876.  During  the  height  of  a  gale  of  unusual 
severity  there  appeared  on  the  trucks,  yards  and  stays,  large  balls  of  fire 
or  phosphorus,  strung  on  the  stays  or  yards  at  intervals  of  a  foot  or  two, 
giving  the  ship  the  appearance  of  being  decorated  with  Chinese  lanterns, 
only  more  brilliant ;  they  settled  on  the  vessel  like  a  shower  of  meteors,  and 
disappeared  almost  as  suddenly  as  they  appeared,  an  occasional  one  drop- 
ping from  the  yards,  bursting  with  a  loud  report ;  one  of  them  fell  and  burst 
almost  in  the  face  of  the  chief  officer,  making  a  noise  like  a  small  piece  of 
artillery,  but  causing  no  more  inconvenience  than  dazzling  him  for  the 
moment. 


[CHINESE   HOUSE-BOAT.] 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


255 


A  Fishing  Party. 

A  bright  Summer  day,  with  a  good  bieeze  stirring,  can  be  used  most  en- 
joyably  on  a  fishing  party,  similar  to  that  depicted  above.  They  are  bound 
out  on  the  grounds,  and  are  having  a  good  run  off.  Let  us  in  imagination 
follow  them.  In  about  an  hour  they  will  reach  one  of  the  many  spots  where 
fish  do  congregate  off  Cape  Ann's  rugged  shore,  when  down  will  go  the 
anchor  and  sails ;  the  lines  will  be  in  readiness,  and  all  will  "chip  in"  a  sil- 
ver coin,  the  whole  of  which  will  be  given  to  the  lucky  individual  who  shall 
pull  in  the  first  fish.  Now  all  is  excitement.  The  hooks  are  baited  and 
the  lines  with  their  heavy  leaden  sinkers  lowered  until  the  bottom  is  felt, 
then  pulled  up  a  couple  of  feet,  all  ready  for  some  hungry  cod  to  snap  at 
the  bait  and  get  hooked  on  by  the  dexterous  jerk  which  will  follow  the  first 
nibble.  There's  one  around  your  line  !  Careful,  now !  Ah,  you've  got  him  ! 
And  up  he  comes,  a  six-pounder,  and  the  fish  for  the  chowder  is  secured, 
and  you  also  have  earned  the  prize  money. 


256 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


The  fun  now  commences,  and  there  is  rare  sport  bringing  in  the  thrifty 
fish.  It  is  most  exciting,  and  a  generous  rivalry  prevails  as  to  who  will  catch 
the  most  fish.  Bye-and-bye  they  slack  up  biting,  and  the  "  inner  man  "  calls 
loudly  for  something  to  appease  that  terrible  appetite  which  the  exercise  and 
cool  sea  breezes  have  provoked.  A  savory  odor  pervades  the  atmosphere, 
which  indicates  that  the  chowder  is  underway,  and  soon  it  is  served  up 
smoking  hot,  and  receives  that  attention  which  it  so  well  deserves.  The 
day  passes  merrily  by,  with  song  and  story  and  good  cheer,  when,  late  in 
the  afternoon  the  return  is  made,  and  all  agree  that  the  day  has  proved  a 
"red  one"  in  the  calendar. 

This  party,  as  will  be  observed,  is  composed  of  the  male  gender  entirely, 
and  is  an  impromptu  affair;  but  oftentimes  large  yachts  are  used,  with 
finely  fitted  up  cabins,  having  accommodations  suitable  for  the  fair  sex,  and 
in  company  with  the  ladies  the  enjoyments  of  a  fishing  party  are  greatly 
enhanced.  This  is  one  of  the  many  pleasures  of  the  sea  coast  in  the  pleas- 
ant Summer  months,  and  once  participated  in  there  is  a  desire  to  repeat  it. 


NOT   A   BENE." 


BY  JUNIPER. 


A  ship,  once  crossing  over  the  sea — 
I  tell  the  story  as  'twas  told  to  me — 
Made  a  hundred  miles  or  so  from  shore, 
When  a  craft  was  one  day  seen  that  bore 
Her  flag  reversed,  while  'gainst  the  mast 
The  torn  sails  fluttered  as  the  wind  rushed 
past. 

"Out  with  the  boat!"  the  captain  cried, 
And  the  seamen  darted  over  the  side ; 
Their  oars  fell  in  with  a  regular  dip, 
As  they  rapidly  neared  the  silent  ship. 
When  they  reached  the  deck  a  sight  met  their 

eyes 
Which  made  them  start  with  fearful  surprise. 

All  around  on  the  deck  the  crew  were  lying, 


And  groaning  aloud  as  tho'  they  were  dying ; 
The  captain  alone  on  a  hen-coop  sat, 
With  his  face  in  hands  and  a  weed  on  his  hat ; 
He  gazed  on  them  all  with  a  bloodshot  eye, 
And  the  crew  looked  up  with  a  heart-rend- 
ing sigh. 

"  Say,  why  do  you  raise  the  flag  of  distress, 

And  sit  around  deck  in  idleness? 

Are  you  out  of  food?    Have  you  used  up 

your  water? 
Have  you  got  the  plague?    Or  what  is  the 

matter?" 
"  We  came  from  Beverly,  and  the  flag  you 

have  seen 
Is  because  for  three  days  we  have  been  out 

of  beans!" 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  257 


The  Mackerel  Pocket,  or  "Spiller." 

Among  the  improvements  in  fishing  apparatus  there  are  none,  perhaps, 
that  appear  to  be  more  important  than  one  patented  by  H.  E.  Willard,  of 
Portland,  Me. — an  article  long  needed  in  the  mackerel  seine  fishery,  and 
which  has  received  from  the  fishermen  the  name  of  "  Mackerel  Pocket,"  or 
"Spiller."  It  was  first  used  by  the  patentee  in  1878,  and  Capt.  George 
Merchant,  Jr.,  of  this  city,  subsequently  invented  and  put  into  practical 
operation  an  improved  "spiller." 

The  apparatus  is  a  large  net  bag,  36  feet  long,  15  feet  wide  and  30  feet 
deep.  It  is  made  of  stout,  coarse  twine,  and  is  attached  to  the  side  of  the 
vessel,  where  it  is  kept  in  position,  when  in  use,  by  wooden  poles  or  "  out- 
riggers," which  extend  out  a  distance  of  fifteen  feet  from  the  schooner's 
rail.  When  distended  in  this  manner  a  spiller  will  hold  over  200  barrels 
of  mackerel,  which  can  thus  be  kept  alive,  as  in  the  well  of  a  smack,  until 
the  crew  have  time  to  cure  their  catch.  As  is  well  known,  it  frequently 
happens  that  several  hundred  barrels  of  mackerel  are  taken  at  a  single  haul. 
Heretofore,  when  such  a  large  quantity  of  fish  were  caught,  but  a  compar- 
atively small  portion  of  them  could  be  cured  by  the  crew  of  the  vessel  to 
which  the  seine  belonged.  The  result  was  that  when  a  large  catch  was 
made,  a  considerable  percentage  of  the  fish  were  generally  "given  away"  to 
some  other  vessel,  since  if  only  a  part  of  them  were  removed  from  the  seine 
to  the  vessel's  deck,  the  remainder  being  left  in  the  net  until  the  first  lot 
were  cured,  the  chances  were  nine  to  one  that  the  fine  twine  of  which  the 
purse-seines  are  made  would  be  bitten  in  many  places  by  the  swarming  dog- 
fish. In  addition ^to  the  injury  of  the  net,  the  inclosed  body  of  fish  were 
thus  allowed  to  escape,  robbing  the  fisherman  of  a  large  portion  of  the  fruit 
of  his  labors. 

The  spiller  being  made  of  coarse  twine,  though  not  entirely  exempt  from 
the  ravages  of  the  dogfish  and  sharks,  is  rarely  injured  by  them.  And  now 
when  a  large  school  of  mackerel  are  caught  in  a  seine,  the  fish  are  turned 
into  the  bag,  from  which  they  are  bailed  out  on  the  schooner's  deck  only  as 
fast  as  they  can  be  dressed,  and  in  this  way  it  frequently  happens  that  a  full 
fare  may  now  be  secured  from  a  single  set  of  the  seine. 


258 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


On  the  Loss  of  the  "  Royal  George." 

Written  when  the  news  arrived,  1782. 

BY   WILLIAM    COWPER. 


Toll  for  the  brave— 

The  brave  that  are  no  more ! 
All  sunk  beneath  the  wave, 

Fast  by  their  native  shore. 

Eight  hundred  of  the  brave, 
Whose  courage  well  was  tried, 

Had  made  the  vessel  heel, 
And  laid  her  on  her  side. 

A  land-breeze  shook  the  shrouds, 

And  she  was  overset ; 
Down  went  the  Royal  George, 

With  all  her  crew  complete. 

Toll  for  the  brave ! 

Brave  Kempenf elt  is  gone ; 
His  last  sea-fight  is  fought, 

His  work  of  glory  done. 

It  was  not  in  the  battle ; 
No  tempest  gave  the  shock ; 


She  sprang  no  fatal  leak; 
She  ran  upon  no  rock. 

His  sword  was  in  its  sheath; 

His  fingers  held  the  pen, 
When  Kempenfelt  went  down 

With  twice  four  hundred  men. 

Weigh  the  vessel  up, 
Once  dreaded  by  our  foes ! 

And  mingle  with  tho  cup 
The  tear  that  England  owes. 

Her  timbers  yet  are  sound, 

And  she  may  float  again, 
Full  charged  with  England's  thunder, 

And  plough  the  distant  main. 

But  Kempenfelt  is  gone, 

His  victories  are  o'er ; 
And  he  and  his  eight  hundred 

Shall  plough  the  wave  no  more. 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 


259 


A  Banker  Discharging  Her  Fare. 

Here  we  give  a  familiar  scene  to  the  Winter  fisherman  and  the  many  who 
congregate  at  this  busy  spot — a  Banker  getting  ready  to  discharge  her  fare 
of  halibut  at  the  Atlantic  Halibut  Company's  wharf.  She  has  had  a  hard 
time  of  it  on  the  passage  home,  as  it  was  cold  and  stormy,  and  got  badly 
iced  up.  But  she  is  all  safe  now,  with  her  halibut  in  prime  order,  a  quick 
market  and  good  prices.  This  compensates  for  the  hardships  endured,  and 
the  fishermen  are  feeling  jubilant  at  the  prospect  of  a  pile  of  crisp  bank 
notes  when  they  take  their  check  up  to  the  bank  to  be  cashed.  The 
square-rigger  is  a  salt  vessel  at  the  head  of  Parkhurst's  wharf,  which  gives 
a  commercial  aspect  pleasing  to  look  upon. 


A  Good  Answer. — At  the  hearing  before  the  Fishery  Committee  at  the 
State  House,  not  long  since,  a  veteran  fisherman  from  this  city  was  asked 
by  one  of  the  lawyers  what  he  knew  about  fishing.  "What  don't  I  know, 
would  be  a  better  question  to  ask.  'Squire,"  was  the  reply.  "Why,  I've  fol- 
lowed it  forty  years  and  caught  everything  that  swims,  from  a  whale  to  a 
shrimp."  There  was  a  hum  of  subdued  merriment,  and  he  was  not  further 
interrogated. 


26o  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK, 


Loss  of  Life  and  Vessel  Property  from  January  1  to 
April  1, 1882. 

Since  our  report  was  made  up  at  the  beginning  of  the  year  and  put  in  type 
for  this  volume,  there  have  been  lost  from  this  port  102  lives,  and  9  vessels 
valued  with  their  outfits  and  one  cargo  of  herring  at  $52,000,  as  follows  : 

Sch.  WATER  SPIRIT,  60.28  tons,  owned  by  George  Garland,  engaged 
in  the  Winter  shore  fishery,  went  ashore  on  Rye  Beach  during  a  thick  snow 
storm,  on  the  night  of  Jan.  31,  and  proved  a  total  loss.  Crew  saved.  Val- 
ue, $3,000 ;  insured  for  $2,200,  with  $400  additional  on  outfits. 

Sch.  BUNKER  HILL,  100.77  tons,  owned  by  Michael  Walen  &  Son  and 
Capt.  John  McDonald,  on  the  passage  home  from  Fortune  Bay,  N.  F.,  Jan. 
25,  with  frozen  herring,  went  ashore  during  a  heavy  snow  storm,  on  Bemo 
Ledge,  Eastern  Point,  and  became  a  total  wreck.  Value,  with  outfits,  $7,500  ; 
insurance,  $5,017,  and  $1,000  on  outfits.  The  cargo  was  valued  at  $4,000, 
and  uninsured. 

Sch.  EDITH  M.  PEW,  62.75  tons,  owned  by  John  Pew  &  Son,  engaged 
in  the  Georges  haddocking  fishery,  left  port  Jan.  18.  Was  reported  in  a 
Nova  Scotian  port,  and  last  seen  on  Georges  by  sch.  Noonday,  Capt.  Edward 
Trevoy,  Feb.  3,  two  days  before  the  gale  in  which  it  is  supposed  she  was 
lost.  Crew  list— William  Corliss,  master;  Martin  Moran,  Samuel  Byers, 
Murdock  White,  Andrew  Conley,  Michael  Norton,  Charles  Lawson,  Keaton 
Roderick,  John  Taylor,  John  LeeVanance,  Martin  Lewis,  Bartholomew 
Ryan,  William  Davis,  Hugh  Phalen.  Value,  $5,500 ;  insurance,  $3,000,  in 
the  Gloucester  Fire  Insurance  office. 

Sch.  PAUL  REVERE,  64.90  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Andrew  Leighton, 
another  of  the  Georges  haddocking  fleet,  sailed  Jan.  24,  and  was  last  seen 
by  Capt.  John  Ryan  of  sch.  David  A.  Story  on  Georges,  Feb.  4,  the  day 
before  the  heavy  gale,  in  which  it  is  supposed  she  was  lost.  By  many 
it  is  thought  that  this  vessel  and  the  Edith  M.  Pew  collided  during  the 
storm  and  went  down  together.  Crew  list — John  Bentley,  master ;  Martin 
Thomas,  Henry  Lufkin,  Fred  Scott,  Patrick  Durant,  Patrick  Kennedy, 
Martin  Costello  (father-in-law  to  Capt.  Bentley),  James  Fitzgerald,  Martin 
Conley,  John  Francis,  Joseph  Simmons,  Patrick  Nye,  Michael  Naughton, 
Michael  King.  Value,  $5,000;  insurance,  $4,034,  and  $1,100  on  outfits,  in 
the  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance  office. 

Sch.  BESSIE  W.  SOMES,  92.56  tons,  owned  by  George  Clark  &  Co., 
sailed  for  Grand  Bank  Jan.  2,  and  was  last  seen  Feb.  2  by  a  returned  Bank- 
er, when  she  was  ready  to  come  home  with  her  trip.     She  was  probably  lost 


FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK.  261 

in  the  gale  of  Feb.  5.  Crew  list — Merrill  Wright,  master;  Felix  Gallant, 
Peter  Scanling,  Albert  Gardner,  Augustus  Morine,  James  Burbank,  Daniel 
Hiltz,  William  Davidson,  Henry  McLaughlin,  Edward  Butt,  James  Johnson, 
William  Parsons,  John  McPherson,  William  Wyman.  Value,  $6,000 ;  in- 
surance, $5,598  and  $1,200  on  outfits,  in  the  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing 
Insurance  office. 

Sch.  CHARLES  CARROLL.  58.64  tons,  owned  by  Benjamin  Montgom- 
ery &  Son,  left  on  a  Georges  trip  Jan.  12,  and  was  last  seen  the  day  of  the 
gale.  Crew  list — John  Publicover,  master ;  Albion  Robinson,  Herbert  Nor- 
ton (brother-in-law  to  master),  Charles  Deimon,  W.  J.  Louder,  Robert  Wil- 
kinson, John  Hayden,  John  O'Hara,  Fred.  Watts,  Paul  McDonald,  John 
Noland.  Value,  $2,700;  insurance,  $2,200,  in  the  Gloucester  Fishing  In- 
surance office. 

Sch.  BELLEROPHON,  85.65  tons,  owned  by  Michael  Walen  &  Son,  left 
port,  Jan.  23,  on  a  Bank  halibut  trip.  She  was  out  in  the  severe  gale  of 
Feb.  5,  and  it  was  reported  that  she  was  seen  previous  to  this  gale  with  her 
windlass  broken.  Crew  list — Alfred  Wyman,  master;  James  E.  Mullen, 
Lee  F.  Gilpatrick,  Andrew  J.  Olson,  George  Rudolf  Liledahl,  William  W. 
Marshall,  Frank  Long,  Alexander  McCloud,  Joseph  A.  Campbell,  James 
McNair,  Francis  A.  Harding,  William  H.  Cook,  Samuel  Hayes,  H.  P.  Pe- 
terson. Value,  $6,000,  and  outfits,  $1,200;  insurance,  $4,300,  and  $1,200 
on  outfits,  in  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance  office. 

Sch.  NORTHERNER,  65  tons,  owned  by  Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co.,  left 
port  Feb.  28  for  a  Georges  trip,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  lost  in  the  ter- 
rible gale  of  March  17th.  Crew  list — Isaac  H.  Goodwin,  master;  Israel 
Goodwin,  Amos  Goodwin,  Robert  Lennox,  Foster  Grayton,  George  Larken, 
Daniel  McConneskey,  Thomas  J.  Morris,  Robert  Lennox,  James  Malone, 
Thomas  Wilson ;  Edward  A.  Gilson,  steward.  Value,  $3,000 ;  insurance, 
$2,200  and  $400  on  outfits,  in  the  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance 
office. 

Sch.  VICTOR,  70.91  tons,  owned  by  J.  O.  Procter,  Jr.,  also  of  the  Georges 
fleet,  left  port  March  3,  and  no  tidings  were  heard  from  her  after  the  terri- 
ble gale  of  the  17th.  Crew  list — Patrick  J.  Fanning,  also  known  as  Charles 
Whalen,  master ;  George  Powers,  John  Callanan,  John  Welch,  Frank  Dixon, 
Dennis  Hessian,  Thomas  Eylward,  John  Ryan,  Martin  Simmons,  William 
H.  Perrill,  James  Murphy,  Michael  Tohey.  Value,  $4,500;  insurance, 
$3,871,  and  $500  on  outfits,  in  the  Gloucester  Mutual  Fishing  Insurance 
office. 

Lost  Overboard. — George  Devine  fell  from  the  main-boom  of  sch.  Etta 
Gott  on  the  passage  from  Georges  Jan.  31 ;  John  B.  Nelson,  from  sch.  Her- 
man Babson,  on  the  passage  to  Fortune  Bay,  N.  F.,  Jan.  2  ;  Manuel  Re- 
pose, from  sch.  Anna  D.,  on  Georges,  March  17  ;  Michael  Savage  from  sch. 


262  FISHERMEN S  O  WN  BOOK. 

Smuggler,  on  Georges,  March  20;  Capt.  George  Bearse  from  sch.  Jonas  H. 
French,  in  the  mackereling  fishery,  March  26. 

Lost  in  Dories. — Jeremiah  Haley  and  James  Dunphy  from  sch.  M.  A. 
Baston,  Feb.  3.  James  McGrath,  Peter  Christian,  Charles  Rosmuson  and 
Fred,  Keamp,  from  sch.  Corrinna  H.  Bishop,  Feb.  5. 

With  these  additions  the  aggregate  losses  in  the  fishing  business  from 
Gloucester  since  1830,  the  year  the  Georges  fishery  commenced,  are  2,351 
lives,  and  428  vessels  valued  at  $1,862,710. 


The  following  are  the  details  of  the  losses  from  Oct.  1,  1873  to  Jan.  1, 
1874.  The  aggregate  is  given  in  the  table,  but  the  details  were  overlooked 
in  making  up  the  account  on  page  66 ;  we  therefore  insert  here. 

Sch.  CONNAUGHT  RANGER,  21. 11  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  Nicholas 
Murphy,  was  wrecked  at  Fresh  Water  Cove  Oct.  20.  Crew  saved.  Value, 
$1,000;  insurance,  $500,  in  the  Gloucester  Fire  Insurance  office. 

Sch.  JOHN  P.  HALE,  38.59  tons,  owned  by  J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co.,  drove 
out  of  the  harbor  on  the  night  of  Nov.  17,  and  was  totally  wrecked  near 
Old  House  Cove.  Crew  saved.  Value,  $2,000;  insurance,  $1,800,  in  the 
Gloucester  Fire  Insurance  office. 

Sch.  EXCELSIOR,  38.30  tons,  owned  by  Capt.  George  Merchant,  Jr.,  and 
others,  sunk  at  her  anchors  in  Marblehead  harbor,  on  the  night  of  Nov.  17. 
Crew  saved.  Value,  $1,000;  insurance,  $875.  Abandoned  to  the  under- 
writers. 

Lost  Overboard. — George  Farrance  from  sch.  Fanny  Fern,  Oct.  5  ;  Wil- 
liam Colwell  from  sch.  Noonday,  Oct.  7. 

Lost  in  Dories. — George  Cook  and  Jesse  Oliver  from  sch.  Tubal  Cain, 
Oct.  14;  Charles  Reynolds  and  Patrick  Phalen  from  sch.  Mary  E.,  Oct.  18 ; 
Moses  Cahoon  and  William  Reeves  from  sch.  Sultana,  Nov  4 ;  Daniel  Man- 
ning and  John  Donnelly  from  sch.  William  2y.  Smith,  Nov.  19. 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


The  following  list  comprises  the  vessels  owned  in  the  District  of  Glou- 
cester, April  15,  1882,  together  with  the  tonnage,  the  year  built,  and  the 
fitters'  or  principal  owners'  names.     All  are  schooners  with  the  exception 


of  those  otherwise  designated. 


GLOUCESTER    HARBOR. 


Name  of  Vessel.  Tons. 

Abbie  Dodge,  59.61 
Abbott  Coffin  (stm  lighter) ,  68.80 

Aberdeen,  70.12 

A.  C.  Newhali,  37.31 

Active,  (sloop,)  73.62 

Ada  R.  Terrv,  69.29 

Addie  Emma\  37.10 

AddieM.  Story,  61.36 

Addison  Center,  74.94 

Addison  G.  Procter,  89.15 

Adelia  Hartwell,  60.29 

Admiral,  77.42 

Alaska,  63.87 

Albert  H.  Harding,  64.33 

Alfaretta,  55.32 

Alfred  Walen,  66.77 

Alice,  72.18 

Alice,  (boat,)  8.11 

Alice  G.  Wonson,  64.18 

Alice  M.  Williams,  82.06 

A.  Lincoln,  46.76 

Amos  Cutter,  60.35 

Anable,  (boat,)  16.27 

A.  N.  Clark,  51.46 

AnneD.,  67.67 

Anne  &  Mary,  72.29 

Anna  H.  Frye,  67.40 

Anna  H.  Mason,  30.64 

Annie  W.  Hodgdon,  25.24 

Annie  E.  Lane,  50.85 

Ann  Eliza,  58.43 

Apollo,  (boat,)  12.24 

Aqua  Pura,  (boat,)  11.23 

Arequipa,  71.95 

Arethusa,  (boat,)  17.32 

Argonaut,  74. 


When  Built. 
1868 

1882 
1874 
1858 
1869 
1877 
1866 
1867 
1875 
1876 
1869 
1877 
1867 
1870 
1858 
1870 
1882 
1878 
1870 
1877 
1865 
1865 

1853 

1882 
1881 
1866 
1875 
1880 
1870 
1860 

1877 
1865 
1880 
1876 


Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 
Sjivanus  Smith  &  Co. 
Francis  Locke. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 
Lanesville  Granite  Co. 
D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 
George  Garland. 
Oakes  &  Foster. 
D.  C.  &.  H.  Babson. 
Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 
Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
George  Norwood  &  Son. 
George  Norwood  &  Son. 
Eli  Jackman  &  Co. 
Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
George  H.  Oakes. 
William  H.  Perkins,  Jr. 

D;  C.  &  H.  Babson. 
John  Pew  &  Son.  ' 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Master. 

Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Michael  Murray. 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

James  Lyle. 

William  Wiley. 

George  Dennis. 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Daniel  Smith. 

Peter  Hamlin. 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Master. 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 


264 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Arizona, 

48.95 

1857 

Augusta  H.  Johnson, 

65.71 

1874 

Avon,  (boat,) 

6.91 

Azalia, 

13.22 

B.  A.  Kimball,  (boat,) 

11.62 

Barracouta, 

68.57 

1870 

Belleview, 

15.61 

B.  B.  Gangloff,  (steamer,) 

13.65 

1869 

B.  D.  Haskins, 

56.69 

1860 

B.  F.  Somes, 

59.22 

1868 

Blanche  Creamer,  (boat,) 

15.90 

Bloomer, 

50.64 

1851 

Blue  Jay, 

29.10 

1865 

Bounding  Billow, 

57.18 

1860 

Capitola,  (boat,) 

6.61 

Carleton, 

63.08 

1869 

Carl  Schurz, 

72.60 

1872 

Carl  W.  Baxter, 

69.38 

1882 

Carrie  C, 

75.47 

1882 

Carrie  E.  Say  ward, 

62.18 

1870 

Carthage, 

65.94 

1877 

C.  B.  Manning, 

72.25 

1866 

Centennial, 

115.96 

1876 

Challenge, 

56.27 

1852 

Champion, 

68.41 

1876 

Champion,  (boat,) 

19.32 

Charger, 

53.91 

1859 

Charles  C.  Warren, 

108.87 

1866 

Charles  S.  Tappan, 

71.79 

1881 

Charles  Haskell, 

65.62 

1869 

Charles  H.  Hildreth, 

58.20 

1867 

Charles  P.  Barrett, 

47.89 

1867 

Charles  P.  Thompson, 

73.53 

1866 

Chester  R.  Lawrence, 

90.97 

1874 

Chocorua, 

62.87 

1869 

Christina  L., 

44.33 

Clara  D.  Swett,  (boat,) 

14.47 

Clara  F.  Friend, 

64.93 

1867 

Clyde, 

28.08 

1876 

Clytie, 

72.17 

1873 

Col.  Cook, 

64.75 

1866 

Col.  J.  H.  French, 

83.19 

1879 

Colorado, 

58.26 

1858 

Com.  Foote, 

63.80 

1862 

Commonwealth, 

85.51 

1877 

Concord, 

98.56 

1875 

Conductor, 

73.66 

1877 

Constitution, 

28.21 

1850 

Coral,  (boat,) 

13.99 

Corrinna  H.  Bishop, 

81.61 

1875 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Andrew  Leighton. 
George  A.  Johnson. 
Master. 
Master. 
Michael  Kelly. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
Master. 
Master. 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Samuel  Haskell. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Shute  &  Merchant. 
James  Bates. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
Pettengill  &  Cunningham. 
Dennis  &  Ayer. 
Say  ward  Bros. 
George  Steele. 
Dennis  &  Ayer. 
D.  C.  &H.Babson. 
George  J.  Tarr  &  Co. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
William  C.  Wonson  &  Co. 
John  Chisholm. 
Amos  Rackliffe. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
Samuel  Haskell. 
Wonson  Bros. 
McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co. 
Benjamin  Low. 
George  Clark  &  Co. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
Frank  W.  Miller. 
Frank  Douglass. 
Benjamin  Montgomery. 
Robert  Robinson. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
Benjamin  Low. 
Benjamin  Montgomery. 
Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
Samuel  Haskell. 
Wonson  Bros. 
Herman  B.  Brown. 
George  Dennis. 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


265 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Cottage, 

30.39 

1846 

Crest  of  the  Wave, 

71.38 

1877 

C.  Taylor,  3d, 

33.71 

1853 

Dacotah, 

60.44 

1858 

David  A.  Stoiy, 

91.47 

1876 

David  F.  Low, 

60.77 

1872 

David  J.  Adams, 

69.86 

1867 

David  M.  Hilton, 

66.50 

1868 

David  Sherman, 

71.36 

1873 

Dav3r  Crockett, 

84.97 

1876 

Defiance,  (boat,) 

18.97 

1876 

Delia,  (boat,) 

10.34 

Delia  Maria, 

55.75 

1864 

Dictator, 

63.18 

1872 

Dido, 

81.88 

1882 

Dixie,  (boat,) 

14.98 

1881 

Dragon,  (boat,) 

9.49 

Eastern  Light, 

70.29 

1866 

Eastern  Queen, 

60.11 

1860 

Eben  B.  Phillips, 

66.91 

1866 

Eben  Parsons, 

91.48 

1875 

Edward,  (boat,) 

9.83 

1876 

Edward  A.  Horton, 

66.46 

1870 

Edward  Everett, 

57.84 

1860 

Edward  E.  Webster, 

98.80 

1875 

Edward  G rover, 

77.26 

1874 

E.  K.  Kane, 

52.29 

1857 

Electric  Flash, 

82.19 

1859 

Elisha  Crowell, 

67.78 

1869 

Eliza  Abb}', 

49.29 

1854 

Eliza  K.  Parker, 

57.05 

1857 

Ella  F.  Bartlett, 

56.86 

1860 

Ellen  H.  Powers,  (boat,) 

18.03 

1860 

Ellen  M.,  (boat,) 

6.43 

Ellen  M.  Adams, 

90.33 

1876 

E.  L.  Rowe, 

68.78 

1871 

Emma,  (boat,) 

13.23 

Emma  S.  Osier, 

23.91 

1878 

Enola  C, 

65.28 

1869 

Epes  Tarr, 

70.06 

1873 

Equal,  (boat,) 

10.89 

Ernest  F.  Norwood, 

74.50 

1871 

Esther  Ward, 

62.23 

1868 

Etta  E.  Tanner, 

66.32 

1867 

Etta  Gott, 

59.10 

1868 

Ethel, 

71.73 

1881 

Eureka, 

51.96 

1866 

Eva  May, 

27.50 

1871 

Everett  Pierce, 

67.94 

1881 

Everett  Steele, 

70.54 

1863 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 
James  Parker. 
William  B.  Coombs. 
Eli  O.  Cleaves. 
Shute  &  Merchant. 
Benjamin  Low. 
Benjamin  Low. 
Jesse  Lewis. 

Pettingell  &  Cunningham. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Elisha  C.  Wheeler. 
William  M.  Lane. 
Chresten  Nelson. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
George  Steele. 
John  Foster. 
Master. 

Maddocks  &  Co. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
Michael  Walen  &  Son. 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 
Master. 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 
Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
Solomon  Jacobs. 
Dennis  &  Ajer. 
Michael  Walen  &  Son. 
T.  A.  Langsford  &  Son. 
Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 
James  Parker. 
Leonard  Walen. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
Patrick  Powers. 
Master. 

George  Norwood  &  Son. 
Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 
Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 
David  A.  Osier. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Eben  Brazier. 
George  Norwood  &  Son. 
Oakes  &  Foster. 
Samuel  Haskell. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
Benjamin  Low. 
Howard  A.  Wonson. 
J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
B.  H.  Spinney. 


266 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

E.  W.  Merchant, 

47.84 

1850 

Excelsior, 

38.30 

1847 

Falcon, 

71.67 

1873 

Fanny  Fern, 

48.39 

1858 

Farragut, 

50.85 

1867 

F.  A.  Smith, 

77.10 

1869 

Finance, 

67.58 

1869 

Fitz  J.  Bab  son, 

69.25 

1871 

Flash, 

73.37 

1875 

Fleetwing, 

59.29 

1859 

Fleur  de  Lis,  (boat,) 

15.40 

1879 

Flora  Temple, 

52.59 

1858 

Ftying  Scud, 

65.88 

1870 

Frank  A.  Williams, 

66.49 

1869 

Frederic  Gerring,  Jr., 

70.88 

1870 

Fred  P.  Frye, 

85.37 

1870 

Fred  L.  Webb, 

54.92 

1867 

F.  W.  Homans, 

66.21 

1870 

Gardner  W.  Tarr, 

66.07 

1875 

Garnet,  (sloop,) 

27.03 

1866 

Garibaldi, 

51.99 

1859 

Gatherer, 

95.70 

1876 

Gazel, 

37.62 

1846 

George  A.  Upton, 

56.29 

1875 

George  Clark,  Jr., 

65.25 

1866 

George  H.  Pierson, 

68.11 

1867 

George  J.  Tarr, 

59.85 

1869 

George  0.  Hove}', ' 

63.85 

1864 

George  P.  Rust, 

65.05 

1867 

George  P.  Trigg, 

123.56 

1868 

George  S.  Bout  well, 

66.87 

1869 

George  W.  Stetson, 

74.32 

1869 

Georgianna, 

52.01 

1851 

Gertie  E.  Foster, 

88.28 

1874 

Gleaner, 

63.52 

1871 

Golden  Hind, 

74.60 

1877 

Goldsmith  Maid, 

51.24 

1872 

Good  Templar, 

57.07 

1867 

G.  P.  Whitman, 

94.39 

1874 

Grace  C.  Hadle3T, 

67.03 

1873 

Grace  L.  Fears, 

88.94 

1874 

Gracie  Smith,  (boat,) 

12.63 

1880 

Gussie  Blaisdell, 

89.05 

1876 

H.  A.  Duncan, 

87.70 

1876 

H.  A.  Johnson, 

60.65 

1867 

Hannah,  (boat,) 

8.59 

Harvest  Home, 

56.88 

1856 

Hattie  B.  West, 

56.36 

1866 

Hattie  Chester, 

73.82 

1878 

Hattie  L.  Newman, 

98.34 

1875 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 
George  J.  Tarr  &  Co. 
J.  J.  Burns  &  Co. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
George  Garland. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Joseph  Friend. 
Shute  &  Merchant. 
James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Wonson  Bros. 
Master. 
Harry  Hardy. 
Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
William  C.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Edward  Morris. 
John  S.  McQuin  &  Co. 
Michael  Walen  &  Son. 
George  Clark  &  Co. 
James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 
Francis  Locke. 
George  J.  Tarr  &  Co. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
T.  A.  Langsford  &  Son. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
George  Clark  &  Co. 
Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Benjamin  Low. 
George  Clark. 
Benjamin  Haskell  &  Sons. 
McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co. 
Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
Stockbridge  &  Co. 
George  Clark  &  Co. 
William  C.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
Rowe  &  Jordan. 
Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
Pettingell  &  Cunningham. 
Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
George  Steele. 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 
James  McGrath. 
John  Knowles. 
Shute  &  Merchant. 
George  Steele. 
Michael  Walen  &  Son. 


LIST  OF  VESSELS.                                     26 

Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Hattie  N.  Gove,  (3  ni'st, 

)  347.62 

1873 

Shute  &  Merchant. 

Hattie  N.  Reed, 

48.04 

1867 

Michael  Walen  &  Son. 

Hattie  S.  Clark, 

70.63 

1866 

Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 

Haze,  (boat,) 

8.04 

William  Remby. 

Hector, 

31.78 

1854 

Thomas  Douglass. 

H.  B.  Griffin, 

123..  93 

1875 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 

Helen  M.  Crosby, 

66.62. 

1865 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Helen  M.  Dennis, 

68.10 

1868 

George  Dennis. 

Helen  R.  Low, 

59.25 

1881 

Benjamin  Low. 

Henrietta,  (sloop,) 

44.45 

1869 

Master. 

Henry  Ellsworth, 

59.33 

1865 

Say  ward  Bros. 

Henry  Friend, 

67.39 

1875 

Joseph  Friend. 

Henry  L.  Phillips, 

80.04 

1868 

George  Dennis. 

Henry  Stanberry, 

59.42 

1868 

William  C.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Henr3T  Wilson, 

93.31 

1876 

Pettingell  &  Cunningham. 

Herald  of  the  Morning, 

71.63 

1874 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Herbert  M.  Rogers, 

77.65 

1875 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Here  ward, 

90.11 

1874 

James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 

Herman  Babson, 

10*0.52 

1876 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Hildegarde, 

71.39 

1876 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Hope,  (boat,) 

8.85 

1878 

Henry  Dennis. 

Hope,  (boat,) 

5.90 

Master. 

Horace  Albert, 

68.70 

1880 

S}dvanus  Smith  &  Co. 

Howard, 

74.80 

1874 

Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 

Howard  Holbrook, 

97.47 

1877 

Oakes  &  Foster. 

Hyperion, 

68.59 

1875 

Cunningham  &  Thompson 

Ida  A.  Mayhue,  (boat,) 

12.05 

1867 

John  Shean. 

Ida  Chase,  (boat,) 

6.04 

Master. 

Ida  May, 

45.17 

1855 

James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 

Ida  May,  (boat,) 

7.79 

Master. 

Ida  May,  (boat,) 

8.96 

Albert  O.  Wonson. 

Isaac  A.  Chapman, 

85.06 

1879 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Isaac  Patch, 

72.80 

1867 

Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 

Island  Belle,  (boat,) 

5.51 

Master. 

Island  Home, 

43.32 

1860 

Albert  R.  Duley. 

Ivanhoe, 

75.85 

1879 

Cunningham  &  Thompson 

James  Bliss, 

62.63 

1868 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 

James  A.  Garfield, 

73.58 

1881 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Jamestown, 

69. 

1876 

George  Steele. 

Jennie  B.  Thomas, 

50.95 

1867 

Joseph  Friend. 

J.  H.  G.  Perkins, 

59.23 

1867 

Burnham  &  Winter. 

J.  J.  Clark, 

69.68 

1870 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Joe  Hooker, 

62. 

1864 

Shute  &  Merchant. 

John  D.  Griffen, 

104.02 

1863 

Master. 

John  D.  Long, 

66.35 

1880 

Andrew  Leighton. 

John  F.  Wonson, 

58.03 

1868 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

John  S.  McQuin, 

81.76 

1877 

John  S.  McQuin  &  Co. 

John  Smith, 

65.51 

1868 

Oakes  &  Foster. 

John  S.  Presson, 

92.82 

1874 

George  Clark  &  Co. 

John  W.  Bray, 

83.41 

1875 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

268 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Joseph  Garland, 

51.44 

1866 

Master. 

Joseph  0., 

65.12 

1867 

Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 

Joseph  Story, 

55.32 

1860 

Charles  Dagle. 

Josie  M.  Calderwood, 

90.69 

1875 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

J.  S.  Lamprey,  (3  m'sts,) 

306.10 

1872 

Master. 

J.  W.  Campbell, 

83.21 

1881    . 

Benjamin  Low. 

Knight  Templar, 

73.26 

187-0 

George  Steele. 

Knutsford, 

83.64 

1882 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Landseer, 

98.99 

1875 

Michael  Walen  &  Son. 

Laughing  Water, 

49.01 

1858 

Master. 

Laughing  Waters, 

31. 

1866 

Master. 

Laura  Nelson, 

89.35 

1874 

Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 

Laura  Say  ward, 

68.05 

1866 

Say  ward  Bros. 

Legal  Tender, 

51.03 

1868 

Shute  &  Merchant. 

Leone, 

100.56 

1871 

W.  G.  Pool. 

Levanter, 

50.08 

1869 

George  Norwood  &  Son. 

Light  Wing, 

33.84 

B.  H.  Spinney. 

Little  Antie,  (boat,) 

5.42 

1877 

Master. 

Little  Giant,  (steamer,) 

26.14 

1878 

Douglass  Bros. 

Lizzie, 

72.47 

1875 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 

Lizzie  J.  Jones, 

63.95 

1875 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 

Lizzie  Myrtle,  (boat,) 

5.27 

1875 

Master. 

Lizzie  W.  Hannum, 

75.12 

1868 

John  Collins. 

Lottie  K.  Friend  (3  m'st) , 

367.09 

1873 

Master. 

Lottie  S.  Morton, 

67.61 

1882 

J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Lucy,  (boat,) 

11.56 

Master. 

Lucy  Ann, 

46.54 

1849 

Samuel  Haskell. 

M.  A.  Baston, 

47.46 

1878 

Master. 

Mabel  Dillaway, 

81.88 

1882 

Michael,  Walen  &  Son. 

Madame  Roland, 

62.39 

1860 

Burnham  &  Winter. 

Madawaska  Maid, 

63.06 

1868 

John  S.  McQuin  &  Co. 

Magellan  Cloud,  (boat,) 

19.97 

Alex.  McCloud. 

Magic, 

67.83 

1871 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Marathon, 

68.43 

1874 

George  Steele. 

Margaret, 

46.55 

1866 

Benjamin  H.  Spinney. 

Margie  Smith, 

61.13 

1875 

Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 

Marion, 

82.25 

1877 

Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 

Marion  Grimes, 

61.36 

1868 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Martha  and  Susan, 

70.73 

1878 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Martha  C, 

79.16 

1875 

Leonard  Walen. 

Martha  Jane,  (boat,) 

16.89 

Simeon  McCloud. 

Mary  A.  Brown,  (boat,) 

15.65 

John  Guthrie. 

Mary  E., 

67.22 

1871 

Shute  &  Merchant. 

Mary  F.  Chisholm, 

73.93 

1875 

Benjamin  Low. 

Mary  E.  Daniels, 

67.68 

1868 

Leonard  Walen. 

Mary  Elizabeth, 

22.51 

1852 

George  Norwood  &  Son. 

Mary  Fernald, 

80.27 

1875 

Dennis  &  A}rer. 

Mary  Story, 

64.09 

1875 

Say  ward  Bros. 

Massasoit, 

73.63 

1868 

McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co. 

Massena, 

59.54 

1860 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co 

LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


269 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Matthew  Keany, 

69.80 

1882 

Maddocks  &  Co. 

Maud  F.  Leighton, 

72.55 

1882 

Andrew  Leighton. 

Maud  Gertrude,  (boat,) 

15.01 

Daniel  Gill. 

Metacom,  (boat,) 

11.31 

Master. 

M.  H.  Perkins, 

76.14 

1876 

George  Dennis. 

Midnight, 

69.48 

1865 

Maddocks  &  Co. 

Minnehaha,  (boat.) 

10.18 

Master. 

Minnie  Dell,  (boat,) 

8.27 

Master. 

Mist, 

72.39 

1875 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

M.  L.  Wetherell, 

69.42 

1865 

Shute  &  Merchant. 

Monmouth, 

71.68 

1876 

George  Steele. 

Moro  Castle, 

88.85 

1874 

McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co. 

Morrill  Boy,  (boat,) 

17.08 

1878 

B.  D.  Haskins. 

Mountain  King, 

54.58 

Benjamin  G  erring. 

Mystic, 

83.09 

1879 

John  McKinnon. 

M.  G.  0.  B.,  (boat,) 

6.38 

Master. 

Napoleon,  (boat,) 

7.01 

Master. 

Nelson  Wells, 

63.20 

1853 

Michael  Walen  &  Son. 

Nevada, 

62.06 

1868 

Michael  Walen  &  Son. 

New  England, 

86.29 

1877 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Newsboy,  (boat,)^ 

12.67 

1877 

Master. 

Noonda}T, 

75.25 

1873 

Maddocks  &  Co. 

Northern  Eagle, 

36.97 

1857 

George  H.  Martin. 

Northern  Star, 

56.16 

1860 

Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 

Notice, 

66.50 

1868 

Master. 

Nellie  Burkett,  (boat,) 

6.97 

Master. 

Nelson  Y.  McFarland, 

69.15 

1881 

Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 

Nellie  N.  Rowe, 

83.22 

1882 

Rowe  &  Jordan. 

Ocean  King, 

79.79 

1877 

Maddocks  &  Co. 

Ocean  Ranger, 

57.20 

1858 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 

Oceanus, 

47.44 

1870 

William  Gibbs. 

Oliver  Eldridge, 

65.86 

1870 

George  Steele. 

Ontario, 

91.29 

1873 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Onward, 

45.47 

1852 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

Optimates,  (boat,) 

6.65 

1866 

George  Won  son. 

Orient, 

93.76 

1875 

Charles  Lee. 

Ossipee, 

72.58 

1872 

Cunningham  &  Thompson 

Otis  P.  Lord, 

75.63 

1876 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Pathfinder, 

67.26 

1871 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 

Percy, 

72.27 

1878 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Peter  D.  Smith, 

69.49 

1868 

Oakes  &  Foster. 

Phantom,  (yacht,) 

72.56 

1865 

Henry  S.  Hovey. 

Phantom, 

30.05 

1875 

David  Lyle. 

Phaselus,  (boat,) 

14.30 

Master. 

Phoenix, 

60.33 

1869 

George  Clark  &  Co. 

Pioneer, 

66.19 

1872 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

Piscataqua, 

61.51 

1866 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Planet, 

32.24 

1845 

Master. 

Pluribustah, 

20.39 

1865 

Master. 

Polar  Wave, 

90.93 

1875 

Andrew  Leighton. 

270 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Procter  Brothers, 

77.05 

1876 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 

Plymouth  Rock, 

96.94 

1876 

George  Steele. 

Racer,  . 

53.95 

1852 

Walter  M.  Fait. 

Ralph  E.  Eaton, 

68.96 

1877 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

Rambler, 

66.91 

1865 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Rattler, 

82.72 

1859 

Andrew  Leighton. 

R.  D.  Litchfield,  Jr.,(st.,; 

)    5.45 

1871 

Master. 

Rebecca  Bartlett, 

67.01 

1869 

Oakes  &  Foster. 

Reporter, 

83.61 

1874 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Restless, 

66.47 

1870 

George  Clark  &  Co. 

Rising  Star, 

29.48 

1871 

Jesse  McCloud. 

Richard  Lester, 

72.72 

1881 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

Rough  &  Ready, 

39.21 

1847 

John  Carter. 

Royal  Oak, 

84.58 

1846 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson. 

Rushlight, 

66.98 

1863 

John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 

Rutherford  B.  Hayes, 

71.84 

1877 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Ruth  Groves, 

68.82 

1867 

James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 

S.  A.  Parkhurst, 

53.35 

1861 

Eli  Jackman  &  Co. 

Sarah  C.  Pyle, 

52.62 

1869 

Joseph  Friend. 

Sarah  C.  Wharff> 

51.43 

1871 

George  Clark  &  Co. 

Sarah  E.  Wetherell,  (st.,) 

22.48 

1872 

Dennis  &  Ayer. 

Sarah  M.  Jacobs, 

80.04 

1878 

Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 

Sarah  P.  Aj'er, 

71.38 

1869 

Dennis  &  A}Ter. 

Schuyler  Colfax, 

62.82 

1868 

Joseph  O.  Procter,  Jr. 

Sea  Foam, 

57.88 

1853 

Walter  M.  Fait. 

Sea  Witch,  (boat,) 

7.77 

Master. 

Seth  Stockbridge, 

89.94 

1875 

George  Norwood  &  Son. 

Shiloh, 

85.98 

1874 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Shooting  Star,  (boat,) 

14.96 

Master. 

Sigfrid, 

76.54 

1882 

Cunningham  &  Thompson. 

Smuggler, 

67.92 

1877 

Andrew  Leighton. 

Solomon  Poole, 

86.20 

1876 

Cunningham  &  Thompson, 

Sophronia, 

57.03 

1860 

Benjamin  Low. 

S.  P.  Greenleaf,  (boat,) 

11.07 

Master. 

S.  R.  Lane, 

72. 

1873 

Samuel  Lane  &  Bro. 

Star  of  the  East, 

56.13 

1867 

Master. 

Starry  Flag, 

59.50 

1871 

Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 

Sterling, 

63.62 

1868 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

St.  Michael, 

28.24 

1865 

Michael  Curon. 

St.  Patrick,  (boat,) 

17.79 

1859 

Peter  Conley. 

Sultana, 

69.84 

1869 

Andrew  Leighton. 

Sunshine, 

66.29 

1866 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

Samuel  B.  Jones,  (st.,) 

33.54 

1872 

Master. 

Senator,  (pinkey,) 

32.67 

1831 

John  Parker. 

Susie  Hooper, 

76.91 

1882 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 

Thomas  W.  Knight, 

66.26 

1881 

Andrew  Leighton. 

Teddie,  (boat,) 

10.57 

1878 

Master. 

Telephone, 

20.25 

1878 

Joseph  Lj'le. 

Tidal  Wave, 

70.28 

1871 

John  Pew  &  Son. 

T.  L.  Mayo, 

62.46 

1866 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro. 

LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


271 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Tragabigzanda, 

68.03 

1870 

Triton, 

71.51 

1875 

Tubal  Cain, 

63.39 

1871 

U.  S.  Grant,  (boat,) 

7.19 

Undine, 

10.34 

Veteran, 

63.64 

1865 

Vidette, 

58.07 

1867 

Viking, 

73.63 

1875 

Vision, 

50.37 

Volunteer, 

69.58 

1863 

Wacbusett, 

79.14 

1874 

Waldo  Irving, 

64.35 

1880 

Wanderer,  (sloop,) 

13.66 

1881 

Webster  Sanborn, 

99.89 

1876 

Welcome, 

61.26 

1877 

W.  E.  Terry, 

63. 

1869 

Wildfire, 

108.90 

1866 

Wild  Pigeon, 

46.87 

1852 

William  A.  Pew, 

70.19 

1866 

William  H.  Raymond, 

.70. 

1867 

William  H.  Oakes, 

70.89 

1878 

William  M.  Gaffney, 

74.65 

1877 

William  S.  Baker, 

103.95 

1860 

William  V.  Hutchings, 

62.68 

1866 

Willie  M.  Stevens, 

80.56 

1877 

William  E.  McDonald, 

98.37 

1875 

William  H.  Foye, 

70.45 

1871 

William  Parsons,'  2d, 

64.41 

1870 

Willie, 

91.58 

1880 

Winged  Arrow, 

58.85 

1866 

Witchcraft, 

57.73 

1859 

Z.  S.  Wallingford,  (boat,)    9.86 

Zenobia, 

78.73 

1881 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 
Wonson  Bros. 
Say  ward  Bros. 
Wm.  C.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Nehemiah  Adams. 
Henry  Smith. 
Benjamin  Montgomery. 
McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co. 
James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 
Master. 
Joseph  Smith. 
Cunningham  &  Thompson. 
John  F.  Wonson  &  Co. 
Master. 

Macldocks  &  Co. 
John  Pew  &  Son. 
J.  O.  Procter,  Jr. 
Andrew  Leighton. 
Daniel  Allen  &  Son. 
James  Mansfield  &  Sons. 
Dennis  &  Ajer. 
Atlantic  Halibut  Co. 
Joseph  Smith. 
Joseph  Friend. 
George  Friend  &  Son. 
George  Dennis. 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
Wm.  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co. 
Master. 

Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co. 
William  B.  Coombs. 
John  Cadwallader. 
George  Steele. 


ROCKPORT. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Active,  (sloop,) 

Alfred  A.,  (sloop,) 

America,  (sloop,) 

Anna  M.,  (boat,) 

Ann  Parker, 

Belle  of  Cape  Ann,  (sloop,) 

C.  E.  Trumbull, 

Charlie  Boy,  (boat,) 

Charlie  Stedman, 

Cock  of  the  Walk,  (sloop,) 

Cora  Lee, 

Corinna  M., 


Tons. 

When  Built. 

73.62 

1869 

76.47 

1874 

91.46 

1869 

11.49 

54.02 

1850 

78.22 

1860 

99.80 

1870 

8.51 

1880 

84.78 

1872 

55.08 

1853 

47.30 

1867 

39.61 

1857 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Lanesville  Granite  Co. 
Rockport  Granite  Co. 
Jeremiah  Pettingell. 
Henry  L.  Story. 
Pigeon  Hill  Granite  Co. 
Rockport  Granite  Co. 
C.  E.  Trumbull. 
Howard  H.  Paul. 
Lanesville  Granite  Co. 
Rockport  Granite  Co. 
John  Story,  Jr. 
Master. 


272 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names 

Daniel  Webster,  (sloop,) 

46.11 

1853 

Pigeon  Hill  Granite  Co. 

Edith  Bean, 

17.22 

Francis  Tarr,  Jr. 

Edith  L.  Conley, 

58.90 

1876 

Master. 

Fanny  R., 

55.37 

1859 

Master. 

Franklin  S.  Schenck, 

46.03 

1869 

Bradley  &  Co. 

Glide,  (boat,) 

7.81 

Henry  W.  Colburn. 

Golden  Rule, 

41.67 

1862 

Zenas  Brown. 

Hard  Chance,  (sloop,) 

64.60 

1855 

Lanesville  Granite  Co. 

Ida  May,  (sloop,) 

63.05 

1855 

Rockport  Granite  Co. 

Isabella, 

50.61 

1851 

C.  C.  Pool. 

Jenny  Lind,  (boat,) 

15.96 

Master. 

John  P.  Ober, 

55.72 

1873 

Josephine, 

38.68 

1868 

John  Story,  Jr. 

Joseph  M.  Lane, 

53.73 

1852 

Eben  Blatchford. 

J.  Y.  Baker, 

55.69 

1849 

Master. 

Lad}7  Lincoln, 

26.42 

1861 

Joshua  Tarr. 

Lizzie  D.  Saunders, 

43.54 

1867 

John  Story,  Jr. 

L.  Snow,  Jr., 

41.90 

1851 

Master. 

Lodowick  Bill, 

59.93 

1866 

A.  C.  Pierce. 

Mary  Ellen, 

54.11 

1855 

John  Stoiy,  Jr. 

Minnie,  (boat,) 

6.60 

Master. 

Nellie  Florence,  (boat,) 

7.13 

Master. 

Nellie  T.  Gaskell,  (boat,) 

15.12 

Joshua  Tarr. 

New  Era,  (sloop,) 

62.54 

1853 

Rockport  Granite  Co. 

Parnet, 

21.19 

1838 

Master. 

Pinafore,  (boat,) 

10.65 

Loring  Grimes. 

Queen  of  the  Sea,  (boat,) 

11.73 

A.  B.  Seaborn. 

Quickstep, 

29.08 

1856 

Master. 

School  Girl,  (boat,) 

9.08 

Master. 

Screamer,  (sloop,) 

63.93 

1873 

Pigeon  Hill  Granite  Co. 

Shooting  Star,  (boat.) 

10.70 

Master. 

Sina  Shore, 

12.64 

Master. 

Theresa,  (3  mast,) 

226.68 

1874 

George  J.  Tarr  &  Co. 

Waverty, 

52.09 

1853 

J.  Story,  Jr. 

MANCHESTER. 

Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Mary  A.  Downes,  (boat,) 

12.24 

1878 

George  A.  Jones. 

Ranter,  (boat,) 

5.07 

Gorham  Morse. 

A  NNIS  Q  UA  M. 

Name  of  Vessel. 

Tons. 

When  Built. 

Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

America,  (yacht,) 

89.59 

1849 

Jonas  H.  French. 

Belle  Gilmore, 

46.08 

1853 

Master. 

Bonita,  (boat,) 

18.67 

Master. 

Eva  Ma}r, 

27.50 

1871 

Master. 

I  Am  Here,  (boat,) 

11.06 

Master. 

LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


273 


Name  of  Vessel. 
Island  Home,  (boat,) 
John  Met  tier, 
May  8.  Roundy,  (boat,) 
Sardiua,  (boat,) 
Venus,  (boat,) 
Vesper,  (boat,) 
Wide  Awake, 


Tons.       When  Built. 


12.02 
62.83 
11.16 
9.11 
12.44 
17.10 
63.41 


1848 


1878 


1859 


Owners'  or  Fitters'  Names. 

Master. 

Master. 

Geo.  W.  Langsford. 

Bartlett  Morgan. 

Master. 

Master. 

Master. 


The  aggregate  number  of  vessels  and  tonnage  enrolled  in  this  district 
when  this  list  was  made  up,  April  15,  1882,  comprised  483  vessels,  with  a 
tonnage  of  27,809.75.  Of  this  number,  423  belong  to  Gloucester  Harbor, 
of  a  tonnage  of  25,254.90  :  353  schooners,  4  sloops,  1  yacht,  6  steamers, 
59  boats.  Rockport  has  2,156.57  tonnage,  46  vessels:  25  schooners,  10 
sloops,  11  boats.  Annisquam,  380.97  tonnage,  12  vessels:  4  schooners,  1 
yacht,  7  boats.     Manchester,  17.31  tonnage,  comprising  2  boats. 

FISHING   FIRMS   AND   FITTING-OUT  ESTABLISHMENTS. 

The  number  of  fishing  firms  and  fitting-out  establishments  in  Gloucester 
Harbor  at  this  date,  April  15,  1882,  is  46,  which  fit  out  302  schooners  and 
boats.  The  balance  of  the  fleet  is  composed  of  vessels  whose  masters  are 
owners,  and  they  fit  where  they  please.  Messrs.  John  Pew  &  Son  are  the 
largest  fitters,  having  19  vessels;  James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro.  come  next,  with 
16,  and  J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co.  are  third  on  the  list,  with  15  ;  Andrew  Leigh- 
ton  fits  14  ;  Rowe  &  Jordan,  13  ;  two,  12  each,  two,  11 ;  two  10,  four,  9  ; 
one,  8;  three,  7;  five,  6;  five,  5;  two,  4;  four,  3;  eight,  2;  three,  1. 
The  following  is  the  list  of  the  Gloucester  Harbor  fishing  firms  and  fitting- 
out  establishments,  with  their  number  of  vessels  : 


Atlantic  Halibut  Co.,  7  ' 

Burnham  &  Winter,  2 

Daniel  Allen  &  Son,  7 

D.  C.  &  H.  Babson,  11 

J.  J.  Burns  &  Co.,  1 

Cunningham  &  Thompson,  10 

George  Clark  &  Co.,  9 

William  B.  Coombs,  2 

Dennis  &  Ayer,  12 

George  Dennis,  6 

Joseph  Friend,  5 

Walter  M.  Fait,  2 

George  Garland,  2 

Samuel  Haskell,  6 


B.  Haskell  &  Sons,  1 

Eli  Jackman  &  Co.,  2 

Samuel  Lane  &  Bro.,*  5 

Andrew  Leighton,  14 

T.  A.  Langsford  &  Son,  2 

Benjamin  Low,  9 

Benjamin  Montgomerj',  4 

James  Mansfield  &  Sons,  6 

John  S.  McQuin  &  Co.,  3 

McKenzie,  Hardy  &  Co.,  5 

Maddocks  &  Co.,  6 

George  Norwood  &  Son,  7 

Oakes  &  Foster,  6 

John  Pew  &  Son,  19 


274 


LIST  OF  VESSELS. 


J.  O.  Procter,  Jr., 
William  Parsons,  2d,  &  Co., 
Pettingell  &  Cunningham, 
Rowe  &  Jordan, 
Sylvanus  Smith  &  Co., 
George  Steele, 
Say  ward  Bros., 
Shute  &  Merchant, 
B.  H.  Spinney, 


9 

Joseph  Smith, 

2 

10 

Seth  Stockbridge  &  Co., 

1 

4 

James  G.  Tarr  &  Bro., 

16 

13 

George  J.  Tarr, 

3 

12 

J.  F.  Wonson  &  Co., 

15 

11 

Leonard  Walen, 

3 

5 

Wonson  Bros., 

3 

9 

William  C.  Wonson  &  Co., 

5 

2 

Michael  Walen  &  Son, 

8 

m    Wm    Hill 


MANUFACTURER  OP 

\    I       I* 


TEE 


Sou'  Westers, 

Grand  Bank  Hats, 

Beverly  Hats, 

Carter's  Home -Made  Drawers, 

SHIRTS,  JUMPERS,  OVERALLS,  <$c. 
.  «♦♦♦» . 

4arter^  $d  larlt  &  J(m:feettl  1 00$, 

ALSO,  WHOLESALE  AND  EETAIL  DEALEK  IE 

FISHERMEN'S  OUTFITS, 

OF  EVERY  DESCRIPTION. 

Principal  Manufactory  at  BEVERLY,  Mass. 


BRANCH  STORE  AT 


GLOUCESTER,  Mass.,  cor.  Rogers  and  Duncan  Streets. 


& 


Manufacturers  of 


li 


SAIL  BOATS,  SEINE  BOATS, 

ROW  BOATS,  PILOT  CANOES, 

YAWL  BOATS,  LAUNCHES, 

QUARTER  BOATS,  DINKEYS,  and 

DORIES. 

NEW  AND  SECOND-HAND 

Seine  Boats,  Dories  and 
Ya-wl   Boats, 

Constantly  on  Hand.    Also, 

DE^IiE^S  IJi  mn^  SWINGS 

REFERENCES  .—Most  any  fitter  in  Gloucester  or  New  England. 


P.  0.  Box,  No.  130,  GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


Send  for  Price  List. 


Highest  prices  paid  for 

Mackerel  and  all  kinds  of  Dry  or 

Green  Fish  from  vessels. 

COMMERCIAL  ST.,  near  the  Fort. 


FIRST-CLASS 

CLOTHING  STORE! 

The  largest  and  best  selected  stock  of 

FINE  HATS  and  GENTS'  FURNISHINGS 

insr  the  city. 

A    GOOD    ASSORTMENT    OF 


Custom  &n<3  f(ekdy-^kde  CJlot^irtg 

ALWAYS    ON   HAND. 

newest  St ylee,  Fopwlas'  IPfieea. 

No.  168  Main  St.,    -    -    Gloucester. 

BillisuxcL     Parlors, 

l^  drier's  Block, 

|^      ^.^3^-  86  MAIN  ST"'   Gloucester. 

^^g^if^iLizi^rzz:1 1 gi I izzi^nzz ija '        Ope?i  day  and  evening.     Everything 
'^^\[^^^^^SS^)^^^i^Z\^    first-class  and  orderly.    All  are  welcome. 

MASON'S  DRY  GOODS  STORE 

UsTo-   311    ILvdlairL   Street, 

Is  the  place  for  BARGAINS. 

Full  stock  of  Goods  in  the  various  departments,  and  the  lowest  prices  of 
any  store  in  the  city.     Call  and  prove  this  assertion. 

C.  A.  MA  SOW,  Proprietor. 


SAMUEL  LANE  &  BROTHER, 


Producers  and  Wholesale  Dealers  in 


Wharf  at  Vincent's  Point, 

GLOUCESTER,    Mass. 


O-IEOIEeGhlE]    TODD, 


zce-a-idess  xasr 


COAL  AND  WOOD. 

Locust  Mi,  Suffolk,  Lorberry  and  Lincoln  of  Lykens  Valley  Coals, 

— ^SOLE  AGENTS  FOR  5— 

Breed's  Chemical  Compound. 

h^d  wd  js0f1?  w66d  prep^ed. 

393  Main  street,       -       Gloucester,  Mass. 


M,  %,  f  iiiiii, 

327  Main  St.,  Gloucester. 

Drugs  and  Chemicals 

Toilet  an6  Fancy  Articles, 

Patent  Medicines,  &c. 

Prescriptions    Carefully    Compounded. 

New  and  Second-Hand  Medicine  Chests  fur- 
nished and  replenished  at  short  notice. 


Gloucester,  Mass. 


>X*c 


Sails  made  to  order  and  satisfaction  guaranteed. 


M.  B.  JACKMAN  &  CO., 


MANUFACTURERS  OF 


,ui%MA 


ilBi 


Best  Quality,  All  Sizes. 

A  specialty  of  Tarred  Lines  of  the  various 
sizes  required  for  sea  fishing. 

LINE-WALK  AND  FACTORY  AT 

Newburyport,  Mass. 

Moses  B.  Jackman,    Leonard  a.  Burniiam, 


Newburyport. 


Gloucester. 


Chas.  H.  Boynton, 


IDIE^ZjIEIE^    XIIiT 


Wood  and  Coal 

Gloucester,  Mass. 

Office  Rear  Cape  Ann  Savings  Bank. 


N.  BOYNTON  &  CO., 

87  &  89  Commercial  Street,  BOSTON, 

MANUFACTURERS  OF 

OTfON  +  DUCK  I 

ZES-CTSSIEIjILj    iSvdIIXjILjS, 
IDIESTXXID    I^EIXjXjS, 

TTlNriTEID   STATES,  Yacht,  8  oz.  10  oz.  1 2  oz. 


SOLE  AGENTS  FOR  THE 


b.  bunting  oomfant. 


AND  IMPORTERS   OF 


HOTH'S   RUSSIA  BOLTROPE. 


WM.  COOS,  JR., 

]Wj3$j3Eipj3, 

Tarred  and  Eepaired. 
OVER  CALL'S  SPAR  SHOP, 

VINCENT   SPRING, 
Rear  John  Pew  <f  Sons,      Gloucester,  Mass. 

4®=  NETS,  SEINES,  TWINE  and  FISHING 
NETTINGS,  of  every  description,  furnished  to 
order,    all  work  guaranteed. 

Joseph  Simpson, 

MANUFACTURER  OF 

Seta  and! 

OF  ALL  DESCRIPTIONS. 

49- TARRING  and  REPAIRING  done  in  the 
best  manner. 

PARKHURST'S  WHARF,  Foot  of  Duncan  St., 
P.  O.  Box  702.  GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 


BOSTON  &  GLOUCESTER 
Por  Freight  and  Passengers, 

Making    Connections    with    nil*  Railroad    and 

Steamship  Lines  out  of  Boston. 

Through  Rates  and  Bills  of  Lading  given. 

Leaves  Boston  Daily  (Sundays  excepted)  :it 
2  P.  M.  and  10.15  A.  M.  Leaves  Gloucester 
Daily  at  3  and  7  A.  M. 

-A-BBOTT     COFPIIT,    uSug-en-t, 
Gloucester,  Mass. 

Central  Wharf,  Boston,  Mass. 


YOU    CAN    FIND 

The  Genuine  Annisquam  Boot, 

And  all  other  styles  for  sea  or  shore  wear.   Pri- 
ces always  the  LOVVEST. 

4ST  REPAIRING  done  at  short  notice.    Call 
and  see  your  old  shipmate, 

JAMES  A.  DAVID, 


2v£a,i:rL    St., 


Foot    of    Sliort. 


M.  F.  WHITON  &  CO., 


-A.G-E31TTS    lE^OIES 


HINGHAM  CORDAGE  COMP'Y 


■  AlTD- 


LAWRENCE  MILLS  COTTON  DUCK. 


X>E^^XjE^.S    33ST 


Wire  Rope,  Chains,  Anchors,  Bolt  Rope,  Oakum,  Bunting,  &c. 

Cables  a  Specialty. 

31    <S2    33    COn^EJ^EISCI^.Xj    ST., 


The  Fishermen's  Memorial  &  Record  Book, 

A  Companion  Volume  to  "THE  FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK," 

Gives  you  interesting  facts  relative  to  the  fisheries.  How  fish  are  caught,  and  where  they  are 
caught,  olden  time  and  modern  time  fishing,  Off  Hand  Sketches,  Big  Trips,  Statistics  of 
the  Fisheries,  Tales  of  Narrow  Escapes,  Fearful  Gales,  Maritime  Poetry,  and  other 
matters  of  interest  concerning  this  important  industry.  Very  handsomely  illustrated  with  original 
engravings.  Price  $1.00  in  Paper  Covers;  $1.50  finely  hound  in  Cloth.  Sent  anywhere  on  receipt 
of  price.  Agents  wanted  to  whom  exclusive  territory  will  be  given.  Liberal  commissions.  Write 
for  particulars. 

PROCTER  BROS.,  Publishers,  Advertiser  Office,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


Wm.  R.  Call, 
House  and  Sign  Painter 

Graining,  Paper  Hanging,  Kalsomining, 
Whitewashing,  &c. 

ALSO  DEALER  IN 

Eoom  Paper,  Borders  and  Cur- 
tain Goods, 
42  Washington  Street,  Corner  of  Granite, 
6Ii6UCE?3FE^,  jafflSjS. 


GRIFFIN,  COOK  &  CO., 

PAINTING,  GRAINING, 

Coloring,  Glazing,  Paper  Hanging. 

House  and  Vessel  work  prompt- 
ly attended  to. 
Sashes  and  Blinds  constantly  on  hand. 
Sign  Painting  and  Decorating  a  Specialty. 

Thaddeus  Griffin,        H.  A.  Cook,         E.  L.  Cook. 


H.  L.  FEARING  &  CO., 

AGENTS  OF 

jlew  Sedfofd  CWdk^e  Company, 

AND ■ 

Wi!2iffitt©a  Wtoi  lif©  Wills 

OF  LIVERPOOL,  England. 

Proprietors  of  STANDARD  CHAIN  CABLE  WORKS, 

SI  &  93  Commercial  Street,  and  33  Mercantile  Street,  BOSTON. 


CEO.   E.  HALL, 

SIGN  AND  ORNAMENTAL 

Signs  and  Show  Cards  of  all  descriptions, 
Gilding,  Wayside  Advertising,  Orna- 
menting, and  Furniture  Painting 
done  with  neatness,  cheapness 
and  dispatch. 

Cor.  Chestnut  &  Main  Sts.,  over  Perry's 
Picture  Store, 

G-lovLcester,  -  Mass. 

ALL  ORDERS  RECEIVE  PROMPT   ATTENTION    AT 
SHOP,  ENTRANCE  ON  CHESTNUT  ST. 


John  S.  Carter, 

DEALER  IN 

Beef.  Pork,  Mutton, 

HAM,    POULTRY, 

Vegetables,  Butter,  Cheese,  Lard,  Canned 
Goods,  &c, 

A  few  doors  east  of  Atlantic  House, 

31  MAIN  ST.,  GLOUCESTER. 


Joseph  C.  Shepherd, 


—  DEALER  IN 


BEEF,  PORK,  MUTTON, 

Ham,  Poultry,  Vegetables,  &c. 

BUTTER,  CHEESE,  LARD,   EGGS,  &c. 
Nos.  2  and  4  Main  Street, 

GLOUCESTER,    MASS. 


JAS.  CUNNINGHAM, 

HOUSE,  SHIP  &  SIGN  PAINTER, 

PAINTS,  OILS,  PUKE  COPPEK  PAINT 
GLASS  AND  PUTTY. 

Special  attention  paid  to  GRAINING  in  all 
colors. 

Orders  for  Paper  Hanging,  Whitewashing, 
Kalsomining  and  Glazing  promptly  attended  to. 

SHOP  AT  CITY  LANDING,  COMMERCIAL  ST., 

QLOUGE8TEM,       »      -      MA9B. 


ACHIM  JOHNSON, 


SUCCESSOR  TO 


^®1  &  mm, 


Cor,  Myrtle  and  Bedford  Aves,,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 


.M.^anriE'.A-C'nrsaEiEa   op- 


Best  Cast  Steel  Wire,  General  Hardware, 


■A-STID 


Different  Kinds  of  Patent,  and  all  other  descriptions  of  Fish  Hooks, 
Sail  Needles,    Pack  and   Bag  Needles,    Mattress  Needles, 
Upholsterers'   Needles,   Surgeons'    Needles,    Spaying 
Needles,  Scarf  Needles ,  Dissecting  Needles,  Dis- 
secting Hooks,  Plain  and    Swiveled    Sail 
Hooks,  Sailors'  &  Sail- Makers'  Palms. 

Straight  Rod  or  Tortional  Door  Springs.  Automatic  Gate  Hardware,  Bur- 
glar Proof  Blind  and  Shutter  Fastenings,  The  Universal  Clothes 
Line  Holder,  and    all    descriptions   of   Steel   Wire 
Goods,  Machinery,  Springs,  etc.,  etc. 

JV.  (B. — (Particular  Attention  paid  to   Tempering  and 
Finishing  all  kinds  of  Steel  Wire  Goods. 


AOnn£  Tomsrsonsrs 

GREAT  AMERICAN  AUTOMATIC 

GATE  HARDWARE, 


^stteaa-tedL,    Sept.    2«7tli,    ie'70. 


W 

O 


S- 

CD 

I 
»-d 

o 

CQ 


I— ' 

4^ 


O 

CD 
CQ 


'»^V'.l! 


HMJRor.otu. 


go 
O 

CD 

»-* 

CD 

*-i 

CD 

CI. 

S> 
3^ 

CD 
CQ 

CD 

a 

e- 

CQ 


CD 

CD 
CD 
P 


THIS  AUTOMATIC  GATE  HARDWARE, 


While  marvelously  ingenious  in  construction,  is  hardly  possible  to  get  out 
of  repair.  If  the  gate  sags  by  frost  or  otherwise,  the  owner  can  adjust  or 
correct  it  by  screwing  the  upper  Hinge  into  the  Post.  It  admits  the  Gate 
to  swing  either  or  both  ways — is  sure  to  close  the  Gate — and  the  Latch 
sure  to  fasten  itself.     Is  made  for  both  Iron  and  Wood  Gates. 

To  GATE  MAKERS  and  GATE  USERS,  look  at  the  ar- 
ticle and  judge  for  yourselves. 

Their  application  to  use  is  so  simple,  that  a  compara- 
tive Child  may  apply  them. 

The  entire  Hardware  for  the  use  of  the  Gate,  embracing  this  Patent 
AUTOMATIC  GATE  LATCH  AND  HINGES,  are  packed 
all  together,  in  a  strong  paper  box,  with  a  circular  attached  thereto,  ex- 
plaining the  whole  matter  of  their  application  and  use — then  six  of  the 
above  boxes  are  placed  in  a  large  box  which  is  properly  labeled  and  marked, 
and  so  sold  to  the  Market,  in  boxes  of  half  dozen  full  sets  of  Gate  Hard- 
ware, with  screws  complete. 

SOLD  AT  ALL  HARDWARE  STORES. 


TO 


We  are  prepared  to  furnish  Cornet  Players  with  instruments  of  the  best  foreign  and 
Amekican  manufacture,  which  have  been  pronounced  by  first-class  artists  to  be  the  best 
and  most  perfect  instruments  manufactured. 

This  is  a  branch  of  the  world-renowned  house  of  OLIVER  HIT  SON  &  CO.,  where 
special  bargains  in  MUSICAL  INSTRUMENTS  OF  ALL  KINDS  and  makes,  are  constant- 
ly being  ottered.  All  our  instruments  are  MADE  ESPECIALLY  FOR  OUR  TRADE,  by 
slvilled  workmen,  have  been  thoroughly  tested,  AND  ARE  WARRANTED  as  first-class  in 
every  respect.  We  always  keep  in  stock  a  complete  assortment  of  BAND  AND  ORCHES- 
TRAL INSTRUMENTS,  GUITARS,   MUSIC  BOXES,  VIOLINS,   BANJOS,    SHEET  Music  and  MUSIC 

Books,  and  general  Musical  Merchandise.    Send  for  Illustrated  Catalogue  to 

JOH1T  C.  H-^-^TXTE]S  cSs  CO., 

33  Court  Street,  (directly  opposite  Court  House,)  BOSTON,  Mass. 


Ifcv£a,:n.-u.£a,ct-v3.rers    cf 


Patent  Inside  Iron  Strapped  Blocks,  Oars,  &c, 

Dealers  in  WOODEN  AND  IRON  SHIP  CHANDLERY. 

Steam  Factory,  Duncan  Street,  Between  Custom  House 
and  Marine  Railways. 

Carving  and  Gilding,  and  Kepairing  Blocks  of  all  kinds 

jp^za^L^rrXj-z"   iLTTEiroED    to. 


G.  H.  BLATCHFORD 

216  Main  St.,  corner  Chestnut, 

GLOUCESTER,   MASS. 


Drugs,  Chemicals,  Fancy  Articles, 
Perfumery,  &c. 

Fine  Wines  and  Liquors  for  Medi- 
cinal purposes. 

PKESCRIPTIONS  accurately  com- 
pounded. 


ADDISON  WITHAM, 

LOFT  AT 

BDRNHAM  BROS.' 

RAILWAY, 

Water  St.,  Gloucester, 

3WIASS. 

All  Work  Warranted. 

Satisfaction  Guaranteed. 


Howard's  Dining  Rooms, 

No.  55  Main  St.,  Gloucester,  Mass., 

Is  the  place  for  a  good  meal  at  any  hour  of  the  day  or  evening.    The  room  over  the  Dining  Estab- 
lishment has  been  fitted  up  as 


"TIEIIE! 


cr 


99 


Where  all  are  invited  to  spend  a  social  hour.    Fishermen  are  cordially  invited  to  visit  "  THE  HUB, 

and  all  will  be  welcome. 


GEO.  W.  HOWARD, 


Proprietor. 


The  Oldest  Hardware  Store  in  the  City! 
76  P7HN  g^EET. 


HARDWABE, 

Building  Materials, 

Dry  and  Tarred  Sheathing  Paper, 

Carpenters'  Tools, 

Nails,   Brushes,   Cutlery,  Rubber    Moul- 
ding, Garden  and  Farming  Tools,  etc. 

76  Main  Street, 


GE6^GE  STEELE, 

Insurance  Agent 

AND  BROKER, 


Will  take  risks  in  the  BOSTON  MARINE  IN- 
SURANCE COMPANY, 

NORTH    BRITISH    and    MERCANTILE,    of 

London  and  Edinburgh, 

CITY  of  LONDON  FIRE  INSURANCE  COM- 
PANY, of  London,  England,  (Limited,) 

METROPOLE    INSURANCE    COMPANY,   of 

Paris, 

And- the  DORCHESTER  MUTUAL   FIRE  IN- 
SURANCE COMPANY. 

Office  in  Rooms  of  GLOUCESTER  MUTUAL 
FISHING  INSURANCE  CO., 

Opp.  the  Post  Office,  Main  Street, 


All  wishing  Insurance  of  any  kind  are  invi- 
ted to  call  and  learn  rates. 


SAIL  MAKER 

And  Ship  Chandler. 

Hemp,  Manila  and  Wire  Cordage  of  all 
Kinds,  constantly  on  hand. 

Also  FLAGS  and  FLIES. 

Loft    on    Duncan    Street, 


On  Georges  in  a  Storm  I 

This  BEAUTIFULPAINTING 

Has  been  Photographed,  and  copies  may  be  ob- 
tained of  Procter  Brothers.  It  is  a  fine  pict- 
ure, showing  two  schooners  riding  at  anchor 
and  another  jogging  under  a  double-reefed  fore- 
sail.   Just  such  a  picture  as  everybody  wants. 

Copyright  secured  according  to  law. 

Send  75  cents  to 

PROCTER  BROS., .  .  Gloucester,  Mass., 

and  receive  by  return  mail  one  of  the  above 
pictures. 


RANGES  and  STOVES. 

IPallas  ZKem-gres  a,re  all  tla.e  O-o  I 

100,000    ALREADY    SOLD. 

I  have  a  large  assortment  of  the  best  Ranges  and  Stoves  in  the  Market,  and  think  I  can  suit  all  in 
want  of  anything  in  this  line.    I  have  now  in  store, 

Pallas,  Welcome,  Revere,  Hudson,   Lyra,    Morden,    Our   Choice, 
Supreme,  Concord,  Temple  and  Active  Ranges, 

at  prices  ranging  from  $15  to  $60;  and  a  choice  variety  of  PARLOR  STOVES  from  $5  to  $35.    I 
have  also  on  hand  25  Second-hand  Parlor  Cooking  Stoves,  which  will  be  sold  very  cheap.    A 


full  assortment  of  CROCKERY  WARE  selling  cheap, 
elsewhere. 


Call  and  see  my  stock  before  purchasing 


A.  F.  HARVEY,  59  Washington  St.,  Gloucester. 


THOMAS  RENTON, 


DEALER  IX— 


STOVES. 

A  good  assortment  of  TIN  WARE,   PUMPS, 

and  SINKS  of  all  sizes. 

NEXT  DO  OB  TO  POST  OFFICE, 
EAST  GLOUCESTER. 

4®=  Low  Prices,  Cash  Sales,  First-class  Goods 


CHRESTEN  NELSON,  Prop. 


Nelsons  Pat.  Duck  Preserver 

Warranted  to  protect  Ships'  Sails,  Awnings, 
Tents,  and  all  kinds  of  Hemp  and  Cot- 
ton Canvas  from  Mildew  and  Decay. 

SAILS,  &c,  saturated  in  this  PRESERVER,  will 
keep  free  from  mildew  and  mould  till  worn  out, 
and  remain  white  as  when  new,  as  shown  by  num- 
erous Testimonials,  after  a  test  of  two  years. 

MANUFACTURED  AT 

No.  307  Main  St.,  Gloucester,  Mass. 

SEND  FOR  CIRCULAR. 


IELHAM'8  ^ 

i  Warerooms9 

Nos.  139  FRIEND  &  46  CANAL  STREETS, 
BOB  VOSF. 


You  can  a/ways  find  a  full  assortment  of  the 
latest  styles  of  Furniture  at  fair  prices.  When 
in  Boston  please  give  me  a  call. 


BILLIARD  PARLOR, 


FITZ  E.  MCINTOSH, 


PROPRIETOR 


THE  above  Parlor  is  fitted  up  in  a  neat  style,  and  parties  wishing  to  play  a 
-£— w-  d  cosy  game  of  Billiards  are  invited  to  call.  The  best  of  order  preserved,  and 
_     L~-    everything  first-class,  including  Bailey's  New  Patent  Cushion  Tables. 


TiToToets'    :£Te"w    IB-ULUd-lug-, 


mm* 


Trusses  &  Supporters, 


A  LARGE  ASSORTMENT  OF 

Hard  Rubber  &  Leather  Trusses, 

Made  by  the  best  manufacturers  and  of 
the  best  materials. 


My  experience  for  over  twenty  years  in  this 
line  of  business  warrants  me  in  garanteeing  to 
give  AS  PERFECT  A  FITTING  TRUSS  as 
can  be  procured  in  Boston  or  New  York,  and  I 
am  selling  them  at  about  ONE-HALF  THE 
PRICE  usually  charged  for  such  goods. 

Price  from  $1.00  to  $6.00, 

and  a  perfect  fit  warranted  in  every  case.  The 
money  returned  for  every  truss  that  is  not  satis- 
factory. Those  needing  goods  of  this  kind  will 
find  it  for  their  interest  to  give  me  a  call.  I  also 
make  a  specialty  of 

Supporters,  Belts,  Elastic  Stock- 
ings, Suspensory  Bandages  &  Rub- 
ber Goods. 

^±.   E-    PBIOB, 
Cor.  MAIN  &  HANCOCK  Sis.,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


James  Davis, 
JUSTICE  of  the  PEACE, 

NOTARY   PUBLIC, 

ATJCTIONEER, 

aio> 

COKTOYAKCBB. 

*®-PROBATE  BUSINESS  ATTENDED   TO. 
BERGENGREN'S  BLOCK, 

132  Main  St.,  -   Gloucester. 

C.  F.  DOEBLE, 

Manufacturer  of  and  Sealer  in  all  kinds  of 

Domestic  &  Imported  CIGARS, 

Tobacco,  Pipes,  &c. 

Largest  Stock,  Lowest  J        Who|esa|e  ^  RiW|§ 

No.  230  MAIN  STREET, 

GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 


PHCENIX  BILLIARD  PARLOR 


£l 


Jh 


UT^^ZbTT'.. 


l©Illf    1BOWR,    P^@>p^tet@i*f 

Takes  pleasure  in  announcing  that  the  above 
establishment,  near  the  head  of  Duncan  street, 
in  the  new  brick  building,  is  now  open  to  the  pub- 
lic, and  is  fitted  up  in  the  best  style  with  all  the 
modern  conveniences,  lighted  with  gas  through- 
out, and  fully  equal  to  any  in  the  country. 

There  are  eight  of  Bailey's  Patent  Billiard 
Tables,  four  in  the  upper  hall  and  four  in  the 
lower,  with  all  the  late  improvements,  and  per- 
sons wishing  to  enjoy  a  game  of  billiards  in  good 
company,  and  where  courtesy  and  good  order  is  maintained,  will  find  this  the  place.  Everything 
done  for  the  pleasure  and  convenience  of  its  patrons.  In  connection  is  a  First- Class  RES- 
TAURANT, where  anything  desired  on  the  Bill  of  Fare,  which  includes  all  the  good  things,  may 
be  obtained  at  short  notice,  cooked  in  excellent  style,  and  served  on  either  floor. 

Fishermen  and  landsmen  will  find  this  a  cozy  retreat  to  while  away  an  evening  or  any  spare 
hours  of  the  day  at  their  disposal,  in  good  company.  Come  in  and  inspect  the  premises.  All  will 
be  welcome. 


M.  HILTON, 
Teaming  and  Boarding  Stable, 


Ste^redore. 

All  kinds  of  Heavy  and  Light  Trucking  and  Teaming 

PMQMFmY  ATTENDED  TQt 

Orders  for  Hauling  Fish  or  Ballast  entrusted  to  me 
will  meet  with  prompt  personal  attention. 

Vessels  Discharged  and  Satisfaction  Guaranteed. 


OIF  IE7  ICES: 


Bear  152  Main  Street,  and) 
Main  cor.  of  Pearce  St.,   J 


Gloucester,  Mass 


n  flWIDS0JslEL¥  POINTED  JSflEET  0F  ¥jni^F¥-TO@  C0MJIN& 

Each  issue  has  all  the  Local  News  of  Cape  Ann,  together  with  all  the  Fishing  Items,  a  reliable 
Fish  Market,  good  Story  and  choice  Miscellaneous  Reading  Matter,  making  it  emphatically 

THE    PEOPLE'S    P^iPER. 

T'h@  Best  ActYQUtUiug  Ms&iuwi  qm  the  0ap@. 

CIRCULATION,  3,800  COPIES.    Terms,  $2.65  per  year,  which  includes  postage,  strictly  in 
advance.    Sent  to  any  part  of  the  country  on  receipt  of  price.    $2.50  within  Essex  County. 
Subscribe  for  it  if  you  wish  to  peruse  a  Live  Local  Newspaper.    Address 


PROCTER  BROTHERS, 


AnAi'wrtetors,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


Ilrocier  |{oom  flayer  parlor 


» 


"Old  Corner,"  HO  Main  Street,  Gloucester, 

tastefully  fitted  up,  with  ceiling  and  walls  elegantly  decorated,  showing  the  modern  style  of  art  in 
Paper  Hanging.    This  room  is  filled  with  the  largest  stock  of 

Room  Paper,  Borders,  Decorations,  Win- 
dow Shades  and  Curtain  Goods, 


this  side  of  Boston,  and  is  well  patronized. 


FINE    GOODS,    LOW   PRICES. 


■WIXOX/ES-A-XjE    IDE-AJIjE^S    i^t 


Dry  and  Picklefl  Fisli, 


GLOTJOESTER,    :MI-AJ3S. 


Boneless  and   Prepared   Fish  a  Specialty 


JOHNS03STS 

DYEING  &  CLEANSING 

ESTABLISHMEUT, 

251  &  253  Main  St.,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


Ladies'  and  Gents'  Garments  and  Wearing 
Apparel  of  all  kinds  dyed  in  a  superior  style. 

Gents'  Garments  $2.00  a  suit.  Good  work,  low 
prices.    Save  money  and  give  us  a  trial. 

Agency  for  the  best  LAUNDRY  in  New  Eng- 
land. 


EBEN  Jl.  MIEKIR 

BLACKSMITH 

Morse    Shoeing,    Carriage 
Work  and' Jobbing 

Promptly  attended  to. 

SHOP  78  WESTERN  AVENUE, 

GLOUCESTER,   MASS. 


PUBLISHED    BY- 


PROCTER  BROTHERS,  Gloucester,  Mass. 


By  Hon.  John 


$2.00. 
Paper,   $1.00; 


HISTORY  OF  GLOUCESTER. 

J.  Babson,  $10.00. 
GLOUCESTER  DIRECTORY. 
FISHERMEN'S  OWN  BOOK. 

Cloth,  $1.50. 
FISHERMEN'S  MEMORIAL  AND  RECORD 

BOOK.     Paper,  50  cts. ;  Cloth,  $1.00. 
THE  FISHERIES  OF  GLOUCESTER  FROM 
1623  TO  1876.     Paper,  50  cts.  ;  Cloth,  75  cts. 
FISHERMEN'S  BALLADS,  or,  Songs  of  the  Sea.     50  cts. 
NORA  RAY,  THE  CHILD  MEDIUM.     Paper,  50  cts. 
GEORGES'  FISHING  SCHOONER  IN  A  STORM.     Large  Photograph  ; 

75  cts. 
MAP  OF  GLOUCESTER  AND  CAPE  ANN.     50  cts. 
STEREOSCOPIC  VIEWS  OF  THE  ROMANTIC  SCENERY  OF  CAPE 
ANN.    1000  subjects.    20  cts.  each  ;  $2.00  per  doz.    Send  for  Catalogue. 

All  the  above  sent  by  Mail,  to  any  part  of  the  World. 


FRANCIS  PROCTER. 


GEORGE  H.  PROCTER. 


^TTSTIlSr   IB.   BIS.A^2\ 


COtOVCBSTKBt    »I£l88. 


Office  and  Wharf, 


Rogers  Street. 


FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY, 

First  National  Bank  Block, 

OPP.  POST  OFFICE,  -   -   MAIN  ST.,  GLOUCESTEK. 

Fire  and  Marine  Risks  effected  at  lowest  market  rates. 
ROBERT  R.  FEARS,  President.  JOHN  CUNNINGHAM,  Sec. 


CLARK  &  PRESSON 


PACKERS  m  WHOLESALE  DEALERS  IN 
31  ROGERS   STREET, 

a-iLjO-crciESTEile,  -   -  2v£^_ss. 


WILLIAM  H.  OKOSS, 

Sailmaker  and  Ship  Chandler, 

Constantly  on  hand  a  full  assortment  of 

CORDAGE  used  in  the  Fisheries 

COMPRISING 

Hoth's  Best  Russia  Hemp  Bolt 
Rope  for  Purse  Lines,  Bunt- 
ing, Flags,  Flys,  &c,  at 

Tarr's  Wharf,  Rock7  Neck,  East  Gloucester. 


Moses  Merlett, 

Rigger  &  Mast  Setter 

Loft  at  Lemuel  Friend's  "Wharf, 
Vincent  Point,         Near  Sam'l  Lane  &  Bro's. 


Tarring  Rigging  and  Planing  Masts  done  at 
short  notice. 

Second-hand  Rigging  and  Red  Stock  of  all 
kinds.    Stock  furnished  if  required. 

Good  warranted  work  and  low  prices. 


US 

V 

o 


12 

n    o 


8 
I! 


m 

w 

^1  22 
D  V 


t 

I 

I 


en 

G 
03 


III 


c3 
CO 


Box  Manufacturer 


<*• 


4** 


^ISIXT'T'EIS    OJ^T    "WOOD. 

BONELESS  &  PREPARED  FISH 


-&.  sesecx.a-Xj,x,-s-  B-sr 


ROWE  &  WONSON 

Also,  Dealers  in  and  Curers  of  Dry  and  Pickled  Fish. 


Every  variety  of  Fish  handled  I  T  ^ri  rr    r*mr   un 
in  their  season.  7  BOX  140' 


Walter  L.  Rowe. 
Ernest  C.  Wonson. 


EAST  GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


EL  C  FISH-BjIvi, 

Commission  Merchant  in  Codfish,  Mackerel,  Oil,  &c,  42  WATER  ST.,  NEW  YORK. 


B.  L.  ROWE, 

saxlmabbr 

AND  DEALER  IN 

Duck  and  Cordage. 

Hoth's  Best  Russia  Hemp  Bolt  Hope 

For  PURSE  LINES;  also,  BUNTING,  FLAGS, 
and  SIGNALS,  for  sale  at 

33  WHARF  ST.,  foot  of  Water. 

m-  TENTS,  AWNINGS,  WAGON  COVERS 
and  WINDOW  SHADES  made  to  order. 


GEO.  MERCHANT,  Jr., 

Net  &  Seine  Repairer, 

SHUTE  &  MERCHANT'S  WHARF, 

GLOUCESTER,  MASS. 

Nets,  Seines,  Twine  and  Fishing  Nettings  of 
every  description,  furnished  to  order. 

Parties  wishing  Nets  and  Seines  will  please 
give  the  longest  notice  possible. 

Agent  for  H.  E.  Willard's  Mackerel  Pocket. 

Nets  stored  in  winter  free  of  charge. 


JWNew  York  Office,  165  MAIDEN  LANE. 


WHOLESALE 

Fish  Dealer, 

GLOUCESTER,  Mass. 


Washington  St.  Bottling  Works. 

JAMES  H.  JOYCE,  Proprietor,  39  Washington  Street, 

Gloucester,  Mass. 

Manufacturer  of  SODA  and  MINERAL  WATERS,  GIN- 
GER ALE,  TONIC  BEER,  &c.    Bottler  of  ALE, 
LAGER  BEER,  CIDER  and  PORTER. 

Fishermen's  Ballads 

And  SONGS  OF  THE  SEA. 

A  book  of  184  pages,  containing  choice  Ballads  and 
Sea  Songs,  many  of  which  were  written  expressly  for 
the  book  by  the  Fishermen  themselves.  It  has  the  real 
salt  water  flavor  all  through,  and  is  just  the  book  to  have 
on  board  the  vessel  or  in  a  person's  pocket,  to  while 
away  the  leisure  hours. 


--„*;-- 


PRICE    £>Q  OEINTTS. 


Very  handsomely  illustrated. 
Ushers, 


For  sale  by  the  pub- 


PROCTER  BROS.,  Gloucester,  Mass, 

Mailed  anywhere  on  receipt  of  price.    Postage  stamps 
taken. 


.  C-  TOILET, 


— DEALER   IN- 


142  MAIN  ST.,  GLOUCESTER. 
The  BEST  FIVE  CENT  CIGAR  in  the  City, 


4®=  Fishermen  and  all  others  will  find  this  the  place  to  get  CHOICE 
ARTICLES  in  this  line.    Come  in  and  see  us. 


IRA  ANDREWS,  JR., 

JOB  PRINTER, 


Tappan  Block, 


114  Main  St.,  Gloucester. 


COnSTHTZECTEID    "WITH   TELEPHOITB. 


G.  W.  PLUMER, 
Ship  Broker,  &c, 

Gloucester,  Mass. 
Also  in  Boston,  214  State  St. 

VESSELS  of  all  descriptions  Bought, 
Sold  and  Chartered. 

4®~FISH  Bought  and  Sold  on  Commission. 


F.  T.  Hall  &  Son, 

Bool  &  Shoe  Dealers, 

232  Main  St.,  Gloucester. 


Constantly  on  hand  a  full  assortment  of  First- 
Class  Goods  at  Low  Cash  Prices. 


Rubber  Boots  a  Sbecialty. 


House  Lots  on  Bellevue  Heights. 

Young  men  or  any  one  desiring  to  make  a  safe  investment,  cannot  do  better  than  to  look 
over  the 

CBOICS    BOV8B    I*OT« 

delightfully  situated  on  Bellevue,  Beacon,  Conant,  Blynman  and  Centennial  avenues,  and 
thus  secure  good  homesteads.    Best  location,  best  neighborhood,  best  water  view  in  the 
city;  within  ten  minutes  walk  of  the  post  office,  schools,  churches,  etc. 
Interview  the  subscribers,  and  they  will  tell  you  all  about  them. 

PROCTER    BROTHERS. 


M.  L.  WETHERELL,  DruMist  &  Cliemist. 

ESTABLISHED     I3ST    18SO. 

The   most  Reliable  PHARMACIST  in  Essex   County.     Employs  none  but 
Efficient  and   Courteous  Assistants. 

All  Pharmaceutical  Preparations  manufactured  from  the  best  materials,  and  in  strict  accord- 
ance with  the  revised  Pharmacopoeias,  and  standard  works.  Family  Medicines  and  compounding 
Physicians'  Prescriptions  a  specialty.  One  of  the  largest  Proprietary  Manufacturers  in  the  United 
States  of  America.  So,  if  you  are  desirous  of  using  Proprietary  Medicines,  he  sure  to  use  none 
hut  are  put  up  by,  and  have  the  signature  of  M.  L.  Wetherell  to  the  same. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  WINE  OF  CALISAYA  BARK  to  strengthen  and  tone  up  the  system. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  SARSAPARILLA  AND  IRON  to  purify  and  enrich  the  blood. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  BUCHU  AND  HOPS  for  all  diseases  of  the  kidneys  and  urinary  organs 
in  male  or  female. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  ROSE  LOTION  for  all  cutaneous  diseases,  and  all  eruptions  whatever 
that  require  a  soothing  and  pleasant  wash. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  DANDELION  AND  MANDRAKE  LIVER  PILLS  for  chronic  affections 
of  the  liver  and  bowels,  constipation  in  all  its  forms,  headache,  giddiness,  dyspepsia,  biliousness,  &c. 
Be  sure  to  buy  a  bottle  of  these  pills,  and  you  will  use  no  other.  None  genuine  unless  signed  M. 
L.  Wetherell. 

If  you  want  the  genuine  BED-BUG  POWDER,  be  sure  to  procure  it  at  M.  L.  Wetherell's,  178 
Main  St.,  as  all  other  kinds  are  worthless  imitations  of  the  genuine  article,  which  is  imported  by 
M.  L.  Wetherell  from  Trieste,  Austria.    Every  bottle  warranted. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  EUREKA  LINIMENT  for  rheumatics,  sprains,  bruises,  fish  bone  sores, 
colds,  colic  pains,  or  cramps  in  the  stomach,  and  for  pingents  (caused  generally  by  the  oil  jacket 
chafing  the  wrist),  etc.    It  is  the  strongest  liniment  made. 

Try  WETHERELL'S  EXTRACT  JAMAICA  GINGER  ROOT,  manufactured  from  the  pure 
Jamaica  Ginger  Root.  It  is  one-third  stronger  than  any  other  ginger  in  the  market.  It  is  guaran- 
teed to  contain  all  the  medicinal  qualities  of  that  drug  in  a  concentrated  form.  Be  sure  that  you 
procure  none  but  M.  L.  Wetherell's,  and  take  no  other. 

WETHERELL'S  EXTRACT  OF  WITCH  HAZEL,  or  HAMAMELIS,  is  the  people's  remedy 
or  balm  for  every  wound.  It  is  a  most  efficacious  remedy  for  catarrh  or  cold  in  the  head,  burns, 
bruises,  piles,  sore  eyes,  all  humors  of  the  scalp,  and  wounds  of  every  description. 

The  hest  plaster  ever  offered  to  the  public  is  WETHERELL'S  BUCHU  and  HOPS  STRENGTH- 
ENING PLASTER,  manufactured  by  M.  L.  Wetherell,  at  178  Main  St.  Every  plaster  is  made  of 
the  best  materials,  selected  by  him,  is  freshly  made,  and  thus  none  of  the  virtues  of  the  ingredi- 
ents are  lost.  Every  plaster  contains  the  valuable  medicinal  qualities  of  Buchu  and  Hops,  care- 
fully combined,  so  that  for  a  lame  back,  weak  back,  pain  in  the  side,  or  pain  across  the  kidneys, 
in  the  loins,  across  the  chest,  weak  kidneys,  contusions,  bruises,  etc.,  and  as  a  general  strengthen- 
ing plaster,  it  has  no  equal.  Use  Wetherell's  Buchu  and  Hops  Strengthening  Plasters,  and  be 
convinced  they  are  the  best  plaster  in  the  market. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  TOOTHACHE  DROPS.    Cure  in  one  minute.    Try  them. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  PURE  COD  LIVER  OIL,  with  PHOSPHATE  OF  LIME. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  COLD-PRESSED  COD  LIVER  OIL.  This  oil  is  made  from  fresh, 
healthy  livers,  and  is  guaranteed  to  be  the  best  in  the  market. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  HORSE  POWDERS  for  horse  ail,  hide  bound,  heaves,  bots,  etc. 

Try  WETHERELL'S  WINE  OF  BEEF  AND  IRON,  prepared  from  fresh  beef,  iron  and  sherry 
wine.  It  is  carefully  prepared,  and  for  children,,  delicate  persons,  nervous  and  fastidious  pa- 
tients, it  will  be  found  very  estimable. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  COMPOUND  SYRUP  OF  HYPOPHOSPHITES,  made  from  the  formula 
of  Dr.  Churchill,  of  Paris,  for  the  prevention  and  cure  of  consumption. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  SALVE  for  gurry  sores,  salt  rheum,  burns,  ringworms  and  old  sores. 

Try  WETHERELL'S  CHLORA.TE  POTASS  A  LOZENGES  for  Diphtheria,  Croup,  Coughs, 
Colds  and  Hoarseness. 

Try  WETHERELL'S  ROLL  SALVE  for  corns,  cuts,  cracked  hands  and  gurry  sores. 

WETHERELL'S  FLAXSEED  COUGH  SYRUP  is  the  best  for  coughs,  colds  on  the  lungs, 
bronchitis,  hoarseness  and  spitting  of  blood. 

WETHERELL'S  NEW  WHITE  ROSE  COLOGNE— superb,  fragrant  and  lasting.  As  a  toilet 
article  it  has  no  superior. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  CELEBRATED  EYE  WATER,  for  the  relief  of  inflamed  and  sore  eyes. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  HOOF  OINTMENT  for  scratches,  thrush,  quarter  cracks,  hard  and  brit- 
tle hoofs. 

Use  WETHERELL'S  COMPOUND  SYRUP  OF  BLACKBERRY  ROOT,  a  sure  cure  for  chol- 
era morbus,  dysentery,  diarrhoea,  colic,  cramps,  and  summer  complaints  of  children.  This  has 
been  found  to  be  a  very  beneficial  medicine.    A  large  stock  constantly  on  hand. 

Try  WETHERELL'S  CAMPHORATED  SAPONACEOUS  DENTRIFICE  for  beautifying  the 
teeth  and  cleansing  the  gums.  It  is  a  very  pleasant  dentrifice,  entirely  harmless  to  the  teeth,  in- 
stantly rendering  them  pearl  white  and  glassy  smooth. 


GENERAL  LIBRARY 
UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA— BERKELEY 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or  on  the 

date  to  which  renewed. 

Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


28Apr'54JB 

DEAD 

V9S»t* 

'       9Sep'5&P{. 

1955  LB' 

.noV-55BtJB 

i        l43art'6SA,')< 

REC'D  LD 

FEB  3jg."5 

PM 

21-100m-l,'54(1887sl6)4' 


■P 


LIBRARY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 


THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  BEFORE  CLOSING  TIME 
ON  LAST  DATE  STAMPED  BELOW 

UBRARY  USE 

DEC  7   '64 j« 

> 

K&c  ^)  LD 

DEC     7ffi4-9P 

VI 

'      -  __    *  ..  „. 

LD  62A-50m-2,'64 
(E3494sl0)9412A 


General  Library 

University  of  California 

Berkeley 


m 


